Odisha Govt Reviews Progress on Forest Diversion Proposals for Key Infrastructure Projects

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Government has intensified efforts to fast-track the approval and processing of forest diversion proposals for major infrastructure projects. In line with this, the third Monthly Coordination Meeting on expeditious processing of such proposals was held today under the chairmanship of Additional Chief Secretary, Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department, at the Home Department Conference Hall.

The meeting reviewed the status of key projects from agencies including NHAI, Indian Railways, OPTCL, Geological Survey of India (GSI), Reliance Jio Infocom Limited, BSNL, and SAIL. The Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) assessed the progress made since the previous meeting held on October 13, 2025, and emphasized the need for strict adherence to project timelines.

Among the major projects reviewed were the Capital Region Ring Road (CRRR-I and II), Goru–Mahisani New Railway Line of South Eastern Railway, 4G-based Mobile Service Project of Reliance Jio, Exploration Proposal of GSI, Kalta Iron Ore Mines of SAIL, Transmission Line Projects of OPTCL, and the Integrated Steel Plant Proposal of Kalyani Steel Ltd.

The ACS noted substantial progress in projects related to optical fibre cable (OFC) laying and tower erection by BSNL and RJIL, as well as in OPTCL transmission lines and GSI exploration initiatives. The two NHAI projects—CRRR-I and II—also recorded significant advancement over the last month. The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) was instructed to resolve wildlife-related issues in these projects at the earliest.

Directing RCCFs and DFOs to give top priority to the processing of forest diversion proposals, the ACS urged all officials to proactively clear pending cases and avoid procedural delays. User agencies were also advised to submit complete documentation and maps promptly to facilitate quicker approvals.

The ACS stressed the importance of close inter-departmental coordination and timely compliance at all stages to ensure smooth implementation of critical infrastructure projects. He further instructed that the Forest Department should proactively support industries in facilitating proposals, including CA land identification, survey and demarcation, and public hearings, especially for projects under new industrial MoUs signed by the Industries Department.