ORDER

1. This Original Application is registered suo-motu on the basis of the news item titled "Odisha Land Jihad in Malkangiri District Islam Nagar built on 100 acres of forest land in Motu Area" appearing in Organiser dated 30.09.2024.

2. The matter relates to the alleged encroachment of approximately 100 acres of forest land in the Motu area in Malkangiri district, Odisha to establish a settlement named Islam Nagar. As per the article, Islam Nagar has been built on forest land near National Highway 326, surrounded by dense forests along the Saberi riverbank.

3. The article alleges that the encroached land saw the construction of buildings, roads, and other infrastructure, including the building of a mud road and wire fencing. The construction was allegedly funded through various government schemes, including the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA), with over ₹9 lakh spent on road construction. Furthermore, it is alleged that large ponds were excavated, warehouses built, and transformers installed, indicating extensive use of state resources.

4. The above news item indicates violation of the provisions of Forest Conservation Act, 1980 and Environment Prot