Odisha govt fast-tracks forest diversion proposals for major infra projects

In a strategic move to fast-track national and state-level infrastructure development, the state’s Department of Forest, Environment & Climate Change (FE&CC) on Monday conducted its monthly high-level coordination meeting and undertook a comprehensive review of forest diversion proposals for major infrastructure projects across several vital sectors to ensure steady progress.

The meeting chaired by Bhaskar Jyoti Sarma, Principal Secretary of the FE&CC Department focused on the expeditious processing of Forest Diversion Proposals.

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The review aligns with the mandates of the Central and state government, specifically addressing projects monitored under the PRAGATI and PMG platforms to ensure zero procedural delays.

The meeting included a comprehensive review of major projects across several vital sectors to ensure steady progress. The discussion focused on 4G saturation projects led by BSNL and RJIL, as well as critical transport and energy infrastructure managed by Indian Railways, National Highway Authority of India, and Odisha Power Transmission Corporation Limited (OPTCL).

The Principal Secretary also reviewed the status of mineral and industrial projects operated by major entities, including Tata Steel Ltd, Rungta Mines, Dalmia Cement, Mundra Alumina, Vedanta, Kashvi Power & Steel, Trustline Mining, Bhushan Power, and Kundan Goldmines.

Sarma also noted the progress made on these projects over the last month and established a clear path forward for completing the remaining tasks.

He invited the Nodal Officer, senior forest officials and User Agencies to uphold the shared commitment to the timelines established during the review meeting.

He instructed officials to expedite Forest Diversion Proposals by guiding User Agencies through the filing process and ensuring suitable Compensatory Afforestation land is identified in a time bound manner.