Expressing concern over the encroachment of forestland and unauthorised constructions in the Sunderbans, the Eastern Bench of the National Green Tribunal on Wednesday directed the Chief Secretary, Government of West Bengal, to constitute a committee to oversee the issue.
Subhas Datta, who has been appointed amicus curiae in the matter by the Bench, told The Hindu that the committee would comprise the district magistrates of South 24 Parganas and North 24 Parganas in which the unique ecosystem of the Sunderbans fell.
The court pointed out that there were violations of the Coastal Regulation Zone along with conversion of mangrove forestland for fisheries and other unauthorised structures in the Sunderbans.
“The court directed the State government to file a report in six weeks. The matter will come up for hearing on March 4,” Mr. Datta said.
Mr. Datta told the Bench that though there were 15 departments in charge of the Sunderbans there was no coordination among them.
