Wildlife Board Panel Clears 6 Key Projects Balancing Conservation and Development in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: The 12th meeting of the Standing Committee of the State Board for Wildlife was held at Kharvel Bhawan under the chairmanship of Forest and Environment Minister Ganesh Ram Singkhuntia, where key development proposals were reviewed with a focus on balancing ecological conservation and regional growth.

The committee, functioning under the provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) (Amendment) Act, 2022, examined a total of six proposals, including three major irrigation projects aimed at strengthening agricultural infrastructure in Angul and Mayurbhanj districts.

Officials said these irrigation initiatives are expected to ensure reliable water access for farmers, thereby improving agricultural productivity and contributing to the socio-economic upliftment of rural communities.

The remaining three proposals focused on drinking water supply projects in ecologically sensitive areas, including Satkosia Wildlife Sanctuary, Simlipal Wildlife Sanctuary, and Chandaka Dampara Wildlife Sanctuary, along with nearby villages. These projects aim to improve access to safe drinking water in remote and forested regions.

After detailed deliberations, the committee recommended all six proposals for approval by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, who chairs the State Board for Wildlife. Following state-level clearance, the proposals will be forwarded to the National Board for Wildlife for final approval.

The meeting was attended by Irasis Acharya, MLA (Bhatli), Bhaskar Jyoti Sharma, Principal Secretary of the department, K. Murugesan, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force, and Prem Kumar Jha, Chief Wildlife Warden, along with other members of the committee.

Officials stated that the deliberations reflect Odisha’s approach of integrating development needs with environmental safeguards, ensuring sustainable growth while protecting critical wildlife habitats.