By SANTOSH MOHANTY
Forest cover in the industrial district of Angul in Odisha has increased, according to the latest Forest Survey Of India report. This news has been widely acclaimed by local nature lovers as well as environmentalists.
The report said the forest cover in Angul district has increased from 1004 sq km to 1031.62 sq km in two years. The survey report from the autonomous agency in Dehra Dun, however, indicated that there is a decline in forest cover in the adjoining Dhenkanal district. Nearly 10 sq km forest area has been depleted in the past two years, the report said but added that the reason behind the decrease could not be ascertained.
The latest report from the authoritative organization has surprised nature lovers as well as forest officials that Dhenkanal district which was once vibrating with lush green forest, is no longer a reality.
Meanwhile, Odisha Chief Secretary Suresh Chandra Mohapatra has approved the annual plan outlay of Rs 1241 cr in CAMPA's steering committee meeting in Bhubaneswar for regeneration of forest in the state. It was decided that nearly ten thousand Self Help Groups (SHGs) and Van Suraksha Samities (VSS) in the state will be engaged in forest management such as afforestation, protection of habitats, soil conservation and prevention of forest fire.
Attending the meeting, Principal Chief Conservator Of Forest Sisir Kumar Rath said afforestation will be done in 15,000 ha at a cost of Rs 69 cr. He said services of VSS will be roped in for the mammoth task.
