Bhubaneswar: The National Green Tribunal’s (NGT) East Zone Bench has issued show-cause notices to five senior Odisha officials over alleged failure to comply with its directions concerning fly ash encroachment on forest and revenue land in Dhenkanal district.
The notices have been served on the Odisha Chief Secretary, Dhenkanal Collector, Dhenkanal Divisional Forest Officer, district Superintendent of Police and Parjang Tehsildar.
The tribunal warned that continued non-compliance could lead to stringent action, including attachment of properties or salaries and even arrest and detention in civil prison. The officials have also been asked to explain why prosecution under Section 26 of the NGT Act should not be initiated.
A three-member East Zone Bench comprising Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi, A Senthil Vel and Ishwar Singh passed the order on August 4 while hearing an execution petition filed by a Talcher-based NGO.
The case relates to alleged dumping of fly ash on Khalpal Reserve Forest and revenue land in Parjang tehsil for an approach road, parking of heavy vehicles and other activities without required permission.
The NGT had earlier ordered plantation of native trees and protection of the affected forest area. The next hearing is scheduled for September 25, 2026.