Bhubaneswar: A party at the Chadaka-Dampara wildlife sanctuary, attended by Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and over 700 others, was slammed by wildlife lovers and environmentalists on Thursday as a shameful violation of the law.

Questions were also raised on how forest and wildlife officials allowed the party inside the sanctuary when it is illegal under the Wildlife (Protection) Act.

State deputy conservator of forest S.K. Mishra said the wildlife department usually gave permission to children and small groups to visit the sanctuary. "The permission is granted after ensuring that the sanctuary will not be disturbed and no fire will be lit," he told IANS.

Mishra said the wildlife department must have taken all these preventive measures before allowing the party. However unofficial sources said no permission was sought for the grand feast.

"Nobody is allowed to organize such a gathering inside the sanctuary," said Bankabihari Das, noted environmentalist and the president of Orissa Krushak Mahasangha. "Even if the party was arranged with the permission of the forest department, it amounts to violation of existing rules," he said.

"It is shameful that the entire government machinery was party to this criminal act in the presence of the chief minister," said Biswajit Mohanty of the Orissa Wildlife Society.

The party was hosted by Suresh Kumar Routray, Congress party legislator and former excise minister, at Kumarkhunt, within the Chandaka-Dampara wildlife sanctuary, on Wednesday. Entry is prohibited into the sanctuary except for the purpose of scientific study and research.

The party had another fallout as the Assembly session yesterday had to be adjourned for lack of quorum.

"More then 700 people, including the chief minister, his council of ministers, legislators belonging to different parties, journalists, civil servants and lawyers took part in the jungle feast," Bijoya Sahu, a businessmen who attended the party, said.

According to the Wildlife Conservation Act, destruction of the habitat, causing disturbance, littering or lighting fire is punishable with a minimum of three years' imprisonment and a Rs. 25,000 fine, or both.

"The Naveen Patnaik government is leading a luxurious life," Bijoya Mohapatra, who was expelled from the Biju Janata Dal recently, told India AbrNS. "He not only led the picnic team but also caused the loss of quorum in the Assembly, leading to a constitutional violation," he added.

"Immediate action should be taken against the chief minister as well as the person who allowed the party inside the sanctuary," he said.