Odisha Gains 893 Sq Km Of Forest Cover In 2 Years, Says Survey

Bhubaneswar: Odisha has gained 893 square km of forest and tree cover during the last years from 2019 to 2021 as per the Forest Survey of India Report 2021.

This was stated by Satyabrata Sahu, Additional Chief Secretary, Forest, Environment and Climate Change department at a state-level function organised in Bhubaneswar on the occasion of World Forestry Day-2024 on Thursday.

“For the safety and security of nature and environment, protection and preservation of forest and wild animals are imperative. Future generation will not forgive us unless we preserve nature for them,” he said.

Stating that development and nature are two sides of a coin, he said a balance has to be maintained between both of them. The officers and staff of Forest department has to play a crucial role in this regard, he added.

PCCF and HoFF, Odisha Debidutta Biswal highlighted the objectives of observation of World Forestry Day and this year’s theme “Forest & Innovation”. The department has taken a number of steps to make forest polythene-free and will intensify such drive in future, he added.

PCCF (WL) Susanta Nanda spoke about the importance of wildlife for protection and preservation of eco-system, while PCCF (P&SM) Prafull Kumar Mallik said preservation of forest is now a global resource.

State Forestry Awards 2024 were awarded to 40 field personnel including Forest Guards, Foresters and Forest Rangers for their outstanding performance in service.

A book titled “Highlights of Odisha Forestry Sector-2024” was released on the occasion. A photo exhibition depicting the wildlife of Odisha, Nandankanan, Eco-tourism, medicinal plants and different programmes of the Department was also organised.