PKDA demolition drive on Puri-Konark Marine Drive as per CRZ

The Orissa High Court today said any development activity or demolition of illegal constructions along the Puri-Konark Marine Drive will have to be made as per the norms of Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) under Environment Protection Act, 1986.
Justice Biswanath Rath observed that the Puri-Konark Development Authority's notification in May 2013, conferred on it by Section 124 of Odisha Development Authority Act of 1982, was not applicable in the said marine drive as the region comes under CRZ.
The High Court then directed that the PKDA could go ahead with its plan as per CRZ provisions under EPA 1986.
The notification had been issued for demolition of at least 316 illegal constructions along the marine drive that include several hotels.

Challenging the notification, several hoteliers had approached the High Court and after completion of the hearing, the High Court had on January 20 this year reserved its verdict.