Cuttack: The long-running dispute over a proposed bus stand project at Padampur in Bargarh district has intensified after the National Green Tribunal (NGT) sought fresh responses from state authorities over allegations that steps were being initiated for construction despite an earlier status quo order protecting the site.The controversy centres on a plan by the state transport department to construct a bus stand by reclaiming nearly two acres of a pond area locally known as ‘kata’. The project was challenged before the NGT by 75-year-old resident Alaka Mishra and eight other residents of Padampur, who argued that the water body plays a vital ecological role and should not be disturbed.The NGT’s east zone bench in Kolkata first issued notices to state authorities last Aug. Subsequently, on Sept 16, the tribunal directed officials to maintain status quo regarding the nature of the land and any construction activity on the site, which the petitioners claim is a water body.However, while the matter remained pending before the tribunal, the petitioners filed a fresh application on May 21 alleging that the transport department floated a tender on March 30 for construction of the bus stand at an estimated cost of Rs 28.75 crore. According to the plea, issuance of the tender signalled an intention to proceed with filling up the pond, potentially defeating the purpose of the ongoing litigation. The petitioners, represented by advocates Sankar Prasad Pani and Ashutosh Padhy, contended that any such move would render the main case infructuous.Taking note of the allegations, a bench comprising judicial member Sheo Kumar Singh and expert member Ishwar Singh issued fresh notices to the additional chief secretary of the revenue and disaster management department, principal secretary of the commerce and transport department, Bargarh collector, Padampur tehsildar and the regional transport officer, Bargarh.The bench also extended the interim status quo order “till the next date of listing” and directed that the matter be listed on Aug 12. The order was released online on May 29.The residents opposing the project argue that ample govt land is available on the outskirts of Padampur, including areas near proposed court building sites, which could accommodate a modern bus stand without affecting a natural water body.They maintained that the pond functions as a storm-water outlet and groundwater recharge source in a region vulnerable to water scarcity. Filling it up, they warned, could increase flooding during monsoon months, disrupt local hydrology and create sanitation and public health concerns. The petitioners have also sought a direction for preparation of a long-term conservation plan for the pond.
The controversy centres on a plan by the state transport department to construct a bus stand by reclaiming nearly two acres of a pond area locally known as ‘kata’
