Bhubaneswar: The Centre has directed Khordha district administration to keep the process of forest land diversion to Kalinga Institute of Social Sclence (KISS) in abeyance until the required clarification is received from the State government in this regard.
In a letter to the Khordha Collector, Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram has directed him to keep the process in abeyance. Oram mentioned that the district administration initiated the process to hand over 4.032 hectare of government revenue forest land to the Kalinga Institute of Social Science (KISS).
The forest land under the Chandaka Wildlife Division was to be diverted in favour of KISS for development of education facilities for the tribal students in Khordha district.
“It is understood that you have initiated the process to hand over the aforesaid revenue forest land to the Kalinga Institute of Social Science (KISS). You are advised to keep the process in abeyance till the required clarification is received in the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and formal clearance is issued in the matter,” the letter read.
The Tribal Affair Ministry took the step after receiving complaints about proper compliance of the Forest Rights Act (FRA) while processing the proposal for diversion of forest land.
The ministry of Tribal affairs has sought separate clarifications from Odisha government in the matter.
