CAG finds sanctuary land sold, ESZ norms violated in Odisha

Bhubaneswar, Oct 1 (UNI) Land within a wildlife sanctuary was illegally divided into 156 plots and sold in violation of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, while 41.65 acres inside Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) in Puri and Khordha were used for activities barred under ESZ notifications, the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) has found. The findings emerged from a CAG compliance audit of the Revenue and Disaster Management Department's monitoring of land use, covering eight Collectorates and 24 Tehsils. The audit found that 13.65 acres within a wildlife sanctuary were divided into 156 sub-plots and sold, disregarding statutory restrictions under the…