Cuttack: A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed with the Orissa High Court Monday seeking demolition of permanent illegal structures along the embankments of Puri canal in Kanpur under Barang block here.
Water Resources secretary, Works secretary, Law secretary, Prachi division executive engineer, Mundali sub-divisional officer (SDO), Barang junior engineer, Collectors of Khurda and Cuttack, and tehsildars of Bhubaneswar and Barang were made parties to the case.
Rights activist and advocate Achyutananda Swain has informed the HC that although there is a ban on constructions along canal embankments, at least 10 illegal permanent structures have been constructed along the Puri canal embankments. The mushrooming illegal structures have narrowed down the road, and consequently around 20,000 people, who depend on the canal road, have a tough time commuting. The road frequently witnesses mishaps.
The petitioner had also informed the Prachi division executive engineer, but to no avail.
Swain urged the HC to issue directives to the concerned authorities for demolition of the illegal structures at the earliest. Advocate Antaryami Swain pleaded on behalf of the petitioner.