Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi outlined a strategic vision for forestry that connects environmental preservation with public welfare. He urged forest officers to plant trees that provide practical benefits to the public—like fruits, flowers, and shade—in populated areas and along roadsides.
Chief Minister while addressing DFOs said the rationale behind this is simple: when people benefit directly from trees, they’re more likely to protect them. This approach aims to foster a sense of ownership and care within communities.
Recognizing the state’s significant tribal population, the Chief Minister stressed the importance of creating a conflict-free coexistence between them and the forests. He advised officers to interact with tribal, Dalit, and poor communities with sensitivity and respect. To mitigate the ongoing human-elephant conflict, he proposed an innovative solution: cultivating paddy inside forests to provide a dedicated food source for elephants, thereby reducing their need to forage in human settlements.
Shri Majhi also emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to environmental protection, which includes not just planting trees but also ensuring their long-term survival through proper protection and management. He called for a renewed effort to achieve 100% success in preventing wildlife poaching and forest fires. To meet this ambitious goal, he suggested leveraging new technologies and promoting widespread public awareness, seeking cooperation from non-governmental organizations and civic forums.
In a move to enhance departmental efficiency, the Chief Minister underscored the importance of continuous training and research for forest officers. He also reiterated the government’s strict zero-tolerance policy on corruption, warning officers to maintain integrity in their work.
Echoing the Chief Minister’s sentiments, Minister for Forest, Environment and Climate Change Shri Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia highlighted the department’s role as the “lifeline of society.” He called for a partnership-based approach with local communities to boost forest conservation efforts.
Chief Secretary Shri Manoj Ahuja focused on the state’s rich biodiversity, advising officers to concentrate on protecting forest resources, raising public awareness, and improving the livelihoods of people living in and around forests.
Additional Chief Secretary, Home, Forest, Environment and Climate Change, Satyabrata Sahu advised DFOs to concentrate on plantation of fruit bearing trees across the state.
The event concluded with a significant tripartite agreement between the Regional Plant Research Centre, Horticulture Department, and Odisha State Seeds Corporation to provide affordable, high-quality fruit seedlings to local farmers.