Odisha Govt Fast-Tracks Forest Diversion Clearances for Key Infra Projects

Bhubaneswar, Dec 12 : The Odisha government has instructed all Regional Chief Conservators of Forests (RCCFs) to fast-track forest diversion approvals for major infrastructure and industrial projects across the state. The directive came during a high-level review meeting chaired by Additional Chief Secretary (ACS), Forest, to assess the progress of ongoing and upcoming proposals.

Officials have been told to accord top priority to forest diversion cases linked to projects of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), Indian Railways, OPTCL, GSI, BSNL, Reliance Jio Infocom Limited (RJIL), SAIL, NH, private industries including Kalyani Steels, and mining projects of IREL and private mine owners.

The ACS stressed resolving issues at the field level without delay and instructed Nodal Officers to ensure continuous monitoring, facilitation, and compliance at every stage of the approval process. The review covered 32 major projects listed on the PMG/PRAGATI portals.

Significant progress was reported in BSNL and RJIL projects related to OFC laying and tower installation. OPTCL transmission lines, GSI’s exploration activities, and three NHAI projects — CRRR-I, CRRR-II, and the Cuttack-Kandarpur Road — have also recorded notable advancement in the last month.

The PCCF (Wildlife) has recently expedited wildlife-related clearances through a State Board for Wildlife (SBWL) meeting. Meanwhile, the Director of Mines & Geology informed that most mining proposals have already been processed by the State Government and are now awaiting approval from the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEF&CC) and the Cabinet.

User agencies have been advised to promptly submit all required documents, maps, and enclosures to the respective Divisional Forest Officers (DFOs) to avoid procedural delays. The ACS underscored the need for strict adherence to prescribed timelines and enhanced coordination among departments to ensure timely execution of priority infrastructure projects.

With several new MoUs signed by the Industries Department, the Forest Department has been directed to proactively support the preparation of forest diversion proposals, including Compensatory Afforestation (CA) land identification, surveys, demarcation, and public hearings.