Odisha's Green Sacrifice: 26.75 Lakh Trees Axed for Development

The Odisha government cut down over 26.75 lakh trees between 2000 and 2023 to carry out 482 different projects, including mining, roads, and irrigation. These activities necessitated the diversion of 42,190 hectares of forest land. Despite extensive deforestation, Odisha's forest cover has increased from 47,033 sq km in 1999 to 52,156 sq km in 2021.

The Odisha government cut down over 26.75 lakh trees between 2000 and 2023 to execute 482 projects across sectors such as mining, roads, irrigation, and railways.

State Forest, Environment, and Climate Change Minister Ganesh Ram Singkhuntia disclosed this in a statement to the Odisha Assembly on Tuesday. According to the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, 42,190 hectares of forest land were diverted for these projects, with the Ministry of Forest, Environment, and Climate Change's approval.

The highest number of trees, 9.64 lakh, were felled for 225 mining projects, followed by 5.99 lakh trees for 43 road projects and 4.89 lakh trees for 45 irrigation projects. Industrial and power infrastructure projects also significantly contributed to deforestation. Despite this extensive tree-felling, the Forest Survey of India's reports show an increase in Odisha's forest cover from 47,033 sq km in 1999 to 52,156 sq km in 2021.

(With inputs from agencies.)