How Odisha is Streamlining Forest Clearance for Development Projects

Proactive Measures for Forest Clearance

Bhubaneswar: On Friday, Satyabrata Sahu, the Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) of the Forest, Environment and Climate Change department, urged Regional Chief Conservators of Forests (RCCFs), Divisional Forest Officers (DFOs), and field officers to proactively identify and report any potential obstacles in the processing of forest clearance proposals early on. This initiative aims to prevent unnecessary delays in project approvals.

During a high-level coordination meeting, Sahu emphasized the importance of resolving bottlenecks in the forest clearance process, which is crucial for expediting key development projects while ensuring environmental safeguards. The discussion centered on enhancing inter-departmental collaboration, simplifying procedures, and adhering to statutory requirements in a timely manner. He reiterated that while development initiatives are essential, they must not compromise conservation standards.

Key topics included the settlement of rights under the Forest Rights Act, requirements for compensatory afforestation, and the precise demarcation of forest land, which often hinder clearance approvals. Sahu advocated for the use of technology, such as GIS-based mapping and digital monitoring, to streamline proposal assessments and facilitate timely inter-departmental consultations.

To maintain momentum, Sahu announced that he would conduct high-level meetings on the 12th of each month to review the status of pending projects. It was agreed that dedicated nodal officers would expedite the processing of forest diversion proposals. 'By ensuring quicker and more transparent clearances, the state government aims to enhance infrastructure and industrial projects while protecting local community interests and preserving ecological balance,' Sahu stated.

The meeting also covered the status of seven exploratory drilling projects by the Geological Survey of India (GSI) and two projects from the South Eastern Railway. Sahu instructed DFOs to prioritize forest clearance for several projects, including the Capital Region Ring Road. Attendees included Additional PCCF (Nodal) K Murugesan, CCF (Nodal) AK Kar, RCCFs from Rourkela, Angul, and Sambalpur, as well as DFOs from various forest divisions and senior officials from GSI and the National Highways Authority of India.