Khurda: In a major blow to Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS), founded by former BJD MP Achyuta Samanta, Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram has directed the Khurda Collector to keep in abeyance the process for conversion of 4.032 ha forest land allotted to the institution under Chandaka wildlife division till further clarity.
The direction came June 21 on a complaint received by the ministry over conversion of forest land status. According to reports, the Collector had initiated the process for the conversion in favour of KISS. The Union minister has directed the Collector to put on hold the conversion process until clarification is made by the Central government and a formal approval is made. The Union Tribal Affairs department has directed the state government and the Chief Secretary to take appropriate action in this connection.
On the other hand, environmentalists have raised questions over the grant of permission for illegal construction on forest land. They have said the state government should actively pursue the matter following directionss from the Centre. Meanwhile, though no reaction was received from Samanta, Khurda Collector Chanchal Rana said, “We have received the letter from the ministry and it is being examined. We don’t know what happened in the past and the case records are being examined. What is there on the land will be investigated.” The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has separately sought clarifications from the state government on the matter.