Archive · 12 Jan 2026
Odisha Fast-Tracks Forest Diversion for Infrastructure
The Odisha government is speeding up plans to use forest land for big projects.
They had a meeting to talk about how to do this quickly and without delays.
They discussed projects like better internet (4G), roads, power lines, and mines.
Big companies like Tata Steel and Vedanta are involved.
The government wants to make sure they follow all the rules and find new land to plant trees to make up for the forest land they use.
Odisha's FE&CC Department reviewed forest diversion proposals to expedite infrastructure projects.
The meeting focused on 4G, transport, energy, and industrial projects involving major entities.
Principal Secretary Bhaskar Jyoti Sarma emphasized timely processing and adherence to guidelines.
User Agencies were instructed to expedite proposals and identify compensatory afforestation land.
The review aimed to align with central and state government mandates for zero procedural delays.
- Who
- Odisha Department of Forest, Environment & Climate Change (FE&CC)
- What
- Fast-tracking forest diversion proposals for infrastructure projects
- When
- Monday (specific date not mentioned)
- Where
- Odisha, India
- Why
- To ensure steady progress in national and state-level infrastructure development
- Department
- Department of Forest, Environment & Climate Change (FE&CC)
- Chairperson
- Bhaskar Jyoti Sarma, Principal Secretary
- Projects Reviewed
- 4G, transport, energy, mineral, industrial
- Key Entities
- BSNL, RJIL, Indian Railways, NHAI, OPTCL, Tata Steel, Vedanta, etc.
- Focus Areas
- Expediting forest diversion proposals, compensatory afforestation