Odisha Records Highest Forest Land Diversion For Mining

Bhubaneswar: Odisha recorded the highest volume of diversion of forest land for mining and non-forestry purpose during the last five years, the Lok Sabha was informed.

This information was shared in a written answer given by Union Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Bhupender Yadav in the House on Monday.

As per the information shared, Odisha diverted a whopping 7,680.78 hectare forest land, highest in the country, for non-forestry use between April 2019 and March 2024.

By doing that, Odisha has overtaken other states in the forest diversion chart. Odisha had forwarded 48 proposal for diversion of forest land for mining activities during the period.

Approval was accorded for diversion of 7,680.78 hectare of forest area for mining operations, it was stated.

The approval was granted in mining projects for use of forest land for non-forestry purpose under Van (Sanrakhan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam Act, 1980.

Odisha was followed by Madhya Pradesh, which had forwards 21 proposals for diversion of forest land for mining. It obtained approval for diversion of 3406.63 hectare area of forest land for mining operations.