Bhubaneswar: In a significant move to accelerate the progress of crucial developmental projects in Odisha, the State Government has initiated a high-level weekly review mechanism to address bottlenecks in forest land clearance.
Recognizing the imperative for seamless coordination between various Departments of Government and the Department of Forest, Environment & Climate Change, the first such review meeting was held under Chairmanship of the Additional Chief Secretary Forest, Environment and Climate Change, Satyabrata Sahu.
This was organized to make arrangements for the speedy and effective resolution of various issues related to clearance of forest land in planned projects with the concerned departments.
High Level Meeting was chaired by the Additional Chief Secretary of the Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department, Satyabrata Sahu on 17 April underscoring the government’s commitment to streamlining the clearance process.
Preliminary arrangements for these weekly reviews were overseen by the Additional Chief Conservator of Forests (Nodal), Dr. Murugesan.
Yesterday’s inaugural session saw detailed discussions on a total of 26 projects spanning multiple sectors. These included six projects from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), highlighting the focus on infrastructure development. Furthermore, one project each from the Gas Authority of India (GAIL) and the Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL) were reviewed, indicating the importance of facilitating energy sector initiatives.
The state government’s focus on education was evident with eight Ekalabya Model Residential School projects coming under scrutiny. Additionally, three projects from the Water Resources Department and seven from the Odisha Power Transmission Corporation Department were discussed, emphasizing the state’s commitment to strengthening essential public services.
During the meeting, the progress of each of these 26 projects was thoroughly examined, and the specific challenges hindering the final approval of forest land were identified. Crucially, a clear timeframe was established for resolving these issues, signaling a proactive and target-oriented approach.
Looking ahead, these review meetings are scheduled to be held every Tuesday, ensuring consistent monitoring and proactive intervention. The government aims to leverage this regular platform to expedite the final approval of forest land not only for the aforementioned projects but also for new projects in the pipeline.
This concerted effort by the Odisha government signifies a strong commitment to balancing environmental conservation with the pressing need for developmental progress. By fostering better coordination and establishing a regular review process, the state is poised to significantly accelerate the implementation of vital projects, ultimately benefiting the citizens of Odisha.
Generate Audio Overview