NGT orders demolition of illegal constructions in Digha, including Mamata-inaugurated Dheusagar Park

Digha is a popular tourist destination in Bengal. However, a series of illegal constructions have begun here, including the Dheusagar Park. In a case filed regarding such allegations, the National Green Tribunal has now ordered the demolition of all illegal constructions along the Digha coast, including Dheusagar. Environmental activist Subhas Dutta approached the tribunal, alleging multiple illegal constructions in Digha that violate coastal laws.

After a lengthy hearing in the case, a bench comprising Justice Amit Sthalekar and expert member Arun Kumar Verma ruled that all illegal constructions built under the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ-1A) in Digha must be demolished within three months. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee inaugurated Dheusagar Park on December 11, 2019. Currently, the management of the park is handled by an agency. This well-equipped park offers various recreational and entertainment facilities, including toy trains, boat rides, high swings, and animal models. Additionally, the park features a food shop, a conference hall, and a beautiful peacock boat. On weekends, various cultural programs, including dance and singing performances, are organized.

Initially, the state’s Municipal and Urban Development Department worked on the park’s infrastructure. Later, a company was entrusted with its beautification. Reportedly, all construction activities violated coastal laws. The court ultimately declared these constructions illegal.

Petitioner Subhas Dutta, in his complaint, alleged that the traditional casuarina forest in Digha had an ecological significance. The forest was naturally developed to prevent soil erosion. However, it was destroyed to make way for illegal constructions. He further claimed that although the documents of the Digha-Shankarpur Development Authority mention 600 hotels in Digha, the actual number of hotels and commercial establishments is far greater. These establishments are extracting groundwater daily without any official permission, which, if continued, could lead to a water crisis in Digha.

Additionally, the case highlighted that several ancient sand dunes in Digha had been destroyed due to illegal constructions. Considering all the allegations, the tribunal had ordered the formation of a special committee to investigate the matter. After inspecting the entire area, the committee submitted a report that identified multiple illegal constructions, including Dheusagar. Based on this report, the tribunal ordered the demolition of all illegal structures within the next three months.