The Odisha government has received a notice from the National Green Tribunal (NGT) concerning its ongoing construction of cottages on Deomali, the highest mountain peak in the state. The NGT has directed the government to provide a response to the allegations made by the Wildlife Society of Orissa (WSO), an environmental pressure group based in Cuttack. The WSO claims that the project, covering an area of 10.4 hectares or 26 acres of forestland, should have obtained prior approval under the Forest (Conservation) Act of 1980. According to the WSO, the construction is in violation of the Act.

The WSO further pointed out that the project did not involve the local community or utilize indigenous knowledge in the construction of the cottages, which is also against the policy for eco-tourism in forest and wildlife areas set by the Ministry of Environment, Forest Climate Change. The NGT has requested a response from the government within four weeks to address these allegations.

Deomali mountain peak is renowned for its breathtaking natural scenery, which includes floating clouds visible from its summit. It attracts thousands of tourists from Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. Previously, a few watchtowers were constructed on Deomali to allow tourists to enjoy the view. However, the WSO claims that Deomali, known as Deomali Reserve Forest, is home to endemic species of flora and fauna.

According to the WSO's petition, the forest department is currently constructing cottages on Deomali Hilltop, located in the Pottangi Block. These cottages, made of all-weather cement fibre boards, are intended to provide overnight accommodation for tourists. Additionally, there will be a dining hall and two dormitories. As part of landscape beautification, the forest department is planting approximately 1,000 tropical pine saplings imported from Assam.

The Deomali Project has been included in the Centre's Swadesh Darshan Scheme, which aims to develop infrastructure to increase tourist inflow. Apart from the 10 cottages, the WSO informed the NGT about proposed facilities such as a parking area, a pathway with a nature trail leading to the Deomali peak, a grand entrance gate with a security cabin and ticket counter, a dining area with a kitchen, a store and pantry, a driver's and staff dormitory, laundry and wash facilities, and a reception office with a lounge and toilet.

The NGT's Judicial Member, Amit Sthalekar, and Expert Member, Arun Kumar Verma, found merit in the petition. The Koraput district administration and the State Biodiversity Board have also been asked to respond to the notice.

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