Odisha ACS Pushes Fast-Track Forest Clearances for Major Infrastructure Projects

Bhubaneswar: The Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) of the Forest, Environment and Climate Change (FE&CC) Department on Thursday reviewed the progress of forest diversion clearances for major infrastructure and industrial projects and directed officials to fast-track approvals while strictly adhering to prescribed timelines.

The review took place during the third monthly coordination meeting held on December 12, aimed at expediting the processing of forest diversion proposals for key projects of central and state agencies as well as private industries. The meeting, held at the Conference Hall of the Home Department, focused on resolving forest-related bottlenecks affecting projects of NHAI, Indian Railways, OPTCL, Geological Survey of India (GSI), BSNL, Reliance Jio Infocom Limited, SAIL and several private industrial and mining companies.

During the meeting, the ACS examined the status of 32 major projects listed on the PMG/PRAGATI portals and under the State’s Dedicated Task Force. These included the Capital Region Ring Road Project, Goru–Mahisani new railway line, 4G mobile connectivity projects of BSNL and Reliance Jio, OPTCL transmission lines, GSI exploration proposals, and multiple mining and industrial projects of companies such as Tata, Rungta, Vedanta, Adani, Dalmia, Bhusan, SAIL, Indian Rare Earths Limited and others.

Expressing satisfaction over the progress achieved in the past month, the ACS noted substantial advancements in forest clearances for BSNL and RJIL projects involving optical fibre cable laying and tower installations. Significant progress was also reported in OPTCL transmission line projects, GSI exploration works and key NHAI projects, including CRRR-I, CRRR-II and the Cuttack–Kandarpur Road project. He also acknowledged the swift resolution of wildlife-related issues following recent meetings of the State Board for Wildlife.

The Director, Mines and Geology informed the meeting that several mining proposals had been processed in a timely manner at the state level and were currently pending approval with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC).

Commending the efforts of Divisional Forest Officers (DFOs), Regional Chief Conservators of Forests (RCCFs) and the Nodal officers, the ACS directed field officials to proactively address emerging issues related to infrastructure, railway, industrial and mining proposals. He instructed that forest diversion proposals for critical projects be accorded top priority and all pending issues be resolved at the earliest possible level.

Nodal officers were asked to closely monitor compliance and facilitate smooth processing, while user agencies were advised to submit complete documentation without delay to avoid procedural hold-ups. The ACS further emphasized close inter-departmental coordination and strict compliance with timelines to ensure timely execution of projects.

The meeting also discussed the need for proactive facilitation of forest diversion proposals for upcoming industrial projects following recent MoUs signed by the Industries Department, including assistance in compensatory afforestation land identification, surveys, demarcation and public hearings.

Senior officials from the FE&CC Department, OPTCL, NHAI, GSI, National Highways Division, along with all RCCFs, DFOs and representatives of user agencies, attended the review meeting.