Paradip: Felling of standing mangrove species by Paradip Port Trust authorities has sparked a controversy with the state forest department ordering a probe into the alleged deforestation activity.

Lush-green mangrove trees, spread across a two-kilometre stretch near Kaudia creek, were allegedly pulled down to create space for infrastructure development projects. Plans are afoot to use the deforested area as cargo storage plots.

"These trees were classified-forest species. The port trust authorities should have obtained prior permission before cutting down the species. Forest clearance is mandatory before any form of deforestation activity even within the core area of the port. However, the port did not obtain the required permission," said a forest official.

The state forest department began a probe into the tree-felling activities on Sunday. A team of forest officials from Kujang forest range have rushed to the deforestation site. "It is an act of impropriety to fell trees at the estuary area, which is under Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) territory. We will initiate legal measures against the port authorities under the Coastal Regulation Zone Act. We are waiting for the findings of the inquiring team," said divisional forest officer, Rajnagar mangrove (wildlife) forest division, Bimal Prasanna Acharya.

The port authorities have refused to comment on the controversy.

However, officials requesting anonymity admitted lapses on the part of authorities concerned over deforestation activity in prohibited CRZ territory without approval.

The concerned department which allegedly carried tree-felling has been directed not to do so in future without prior permission from the forest department. To make up for the loss of green cover, port would undertake compensatory afforestation activities in adjoining places.

"A surge protection seawall would be built to plug the ingress of tidal waves," said a senior official of the port.