Odisha Minister Discusses Mahanadi Rejuvenation Report With Centre

Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s Minister of Forest & Environment BK Arukha on Monday expressed the state’s preparedness in implementing the Centre’s plan to rejuvenate 13 major Indian rivers including Mahanadi.

Arukha, along with ministers of other states, took part in discussions with Union Forest Minister Prakash Javadekar via video conference.

The Indian Council of Forestry Research & Education (ICFRE) has prepared a detailed project report with an eye on improving the ecology and environment of 13 major rivers through forestry interventions.

This project will promote forestry along the rivers, increase ground water recharge and reduce erosion. Mahanadi apart, the other rivers under the project are Beas, Chenab, Jhelum, Ravi, Sutlej, Luni, Yamuna, Narmada, Godavari, Kaveri, Krishna and the Brahmaputra.

LiDAR technology and airborne remote-sensing method will assist in the identification of the degraded land for construction of soil and water conservation structures and launch of a nationwide National Transit Portal to promote smooth inter-state movement of forest produce.

The states expressed their willingness to cooperate in implementation of various projects initiated by the Union government to promote green cover.