Odisha Observes World Forest Day with Renewed Commitment to Conservation

Bhubaneswar: Emphasizing the crucial role of forests in sustaining life and combating climate change, Odisha marked the state-level World Forest Day celebration at the Lok Seva Bhavan conference hall. Minister of Forest, Environment, and Climate Change, Ganesh Ram Singkhuntia, led the event as the chief guest, calling for collective efforts towards sustainable forest resource utilization, reducing environmental degradation, and preserving biodiversity.

Addressing the gathering, Singkhuntia highlighted that forests are the lungs of the earth, playing a pivotal role in absorbing carbon dioxide, purifying the air, and regulating the climate. According to the latest State of the Forest Report 2023 by the Forest Survey of India, Odisha’s forest cover spans 52,433.56 square kilometers, accounting for 33.67% of its geographical area, while the state’s tree cover extends to 6,163.45 square kilometers (3.95%). The total increase in forest and tree cover stands at 558.57 square kilometers, raising the total forest and tree cover to 37.63% of Odisha’s land area.

The state government has implemented several afforestation schemes, focusing on forest restoration, reforestation, new forest development, and sustainable forest management. This year alone, 1.95 crore saplings have been planted, 2.33 crore saplings distributed among citizens and institutions, and afforestation carried out across 30,719 hectares. Of this, 1,583 hectares were afforested under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS). Under the Government of India’s special initiative “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam”, 5.6 crore saplings have been planted across Odisha.

Additionally, to mitigate the impact of natural calamities such as lightning, 19 lakh palm trees have been planted along forest fringes using funds from the Special Relief Fund. In the last financial year, 5.85 lakh saplings were planted across urban and rural areas to enhance Odisha’s green cover and maintain ecological balance. Shri Singkhuntia urged every citizen to plant at least five trees and nurture them to ensure environmental stability and a sustainable future.

Additional Chief Secretary, Forest, Environment, and Climate Change Department,  Satyabrat Sahu, acknowledged the state’s increasing coastline, which has expanded from 480 km to 576 km. He also shared the remarkable arrival of 7 lakh Olive Ridley turtles at both the Rusikulya mouth and Gahirmatha for nesting, a testament to Odisha’s thriving biodiversity. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi’s Aama Similipal Yojana aims to enhance conservation efforts for Similipal, with ongoing efforts to enlist it as a UNESCO Heritage Site. Other notable forest reserves, including Bhitarkanika, Debrigarh, and Deomali, are being developed into world-class ecotourism destinations.

Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Chief of Forest Corps, Suresh Pant, delivered the welcome address, followed by insights from Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), Prem Kumar Jha.

As part of the celebrations, the state government recognized outstanding contributions in forestry. The Nabarangpur Forest Division was awarded for afforestation and greening initiatives, Keonjhar Forest Division for forest protection and conservation, Boudh Forest Division for livelihood enhancement and community participation, and Rourkela Forest Division for technological innovations in forest management. Additionally, 40 field officers, including Forest Guards, Forest Officers, and Forest Range Officers, received the State Forestry Award 2025 for exemplary service.

The event also saw the unveiling of significant publications, including “Highlights of Odisha Forestry Sector 2025,” “Google Earth Engine for Forestry Insights from Odisha,” “Mammals & Birds of Bonai Forest Division,” and “Traditional Tools of Bonai Region and Their Uses.” A special documentary, “Our Forest, Our Future,” produced by the Forest Department, was screened, and a photo exhibition showcasing Odisha’s rich forest heritage was appreciated by dignitaries.

The celebration of World Forest Day in Odisha reaffirmed the government’s dedication to conservation, sustainable afforestation, and balanced environmental growth, ensuring a greener and healthier future for generations to come.