Cuttack: The Orissa High Court on Friday issued a contempt of court notice to the Puri District Collector for alleged non-compliance with its earlier directions concerning the proposed Konark Balukhand Wildlife Sanctuary.
A division bench of the High Court has sought an explanation from the Collector, asking why contempt proceedings should not be initiated against him for failing to act in accordance with the court’s orders. The Collector has been directed to file a detailed reply within three weeks.
The contempt notice stems from prolonged inaction in implementing the proposed sanctuary, despite a notification being issued as far back as 1987. Even after nearly four decades, land acquisition for the sanctuary has not been completed. Affected landowners have neither received compensation nor has the land been formally surrendered or released.
Taking note of the prolonged uncertainty faced by landowners, the High Court had earlier directed the state authorities to take a final decision regarding the proposed Konark Balukhand Sanctuary. In December 2024, the court granted an extension and fixed a deadline for concluding the matter.
However, the alleged failure to comply with these directions has prompted the court to initiate contempt proceedings. The case highlights continued administrative delays in resolving long-pending land and conservation issues, leaving both environmental objectives and the rights of landowners in limbo.
