In a decisive step to accelerate critical infrastructure and industrial development across Odisha, the Department of Forest, Environment & Climate Change (FE&CC), Government of Odisha, convened its monthly high-level coordination meeting today. The meeting was chaired by Bhaskar Jyoti Sarma, IAS, Principal Secretary, FE&CC Department.
The review focused on the time-bound processing of Forest Diversion Proposals, in alignment with directives of the Government of India and the Government of Odisha. Special attention was given to projects monitored under the PRAGATI and Project Monitoring Group (PMG) platforms, with the objective of ensuring zero procedural delays.
During the meeting, progress across major infrastructure sectors was comprehensively reviewed. Key discussions covered 4G saturation projects being implemented by BSNL and Reliance Jio Infocomm Limited (RJIL), along with critical transport and power infrastructure projects undertaken by Indian Railways, National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), and Odisha Power Transmission Corporation Limited (OPTCL).
The review also included the status of prominent mineral and industrial projects led by major stakeholders such as Tata Steel Ltd, Rungta Mines, Dalmia Cement, Mundra Alumina, Vedanta, Kashvi Power & Steel, Trustline Mining, Bhusan Power, and Kundan Goldmines.
The Principal Secretary, FE&CC Department noted the progress achieved over the past month and outlined a clear roadmap for completing pending actions. The Nodal Officer (FCA), Regional Chief Conservators of Forests (RCCFs), Divisional Forest Officers (DFOs), and all User Agencies were urged to adhere strictly to the timelines finalized during the review.
To further streamline approvals, officials were directed to actively support User Agencies in filing forest clearance proposals and to ensure the identification of suitable Compensatory Afforestation (CA) land within stipulated timelines.
The meeting was attended by Regional CCFs, DFOs, and User Agencies through virtual mode, reflecting a coordinated approach toward strengthening environmental governance while enabling sustainable development in Odisha.
