The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has slapped a fine of ₹1 crore on the Odisha government for undertaking guava plantation on 343 acres, which has been categorised as Sal Forest in Jajpur district.
One Tapan Kumar Baral had moved the NGT alleging that trees were being illegally felled in the forestland of about 377.83 acres for plantation of horticultural species in Damodarpur, Botalanda and Kharagala in Jajpur district. It was further alleged the category of the land was Patara Jungle and Sal Jungle and heavy machinery were used for clearing the forestland.
