Odisha Chief Minister Stresses Forest Protection and Economic Role
Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, speaking at the state-level International Day of Forests-2026 celebration on Saturday, declared that forests are the fundamental basis of life and livelihood. He underscored the critical need to protect and expand green cover while maintaining a delicate balance between environmental conservation and industrial development.
Raising Awareness on Forest Importance
Addressing the gathering, Majhi explained that the event's primary aim is to elevate public awareness regarding the immense significance of forests, their conservation, and their role in mitigating climate change. He highlighted Odisha's emergence as a leading state in forest protection and the creation of green belts through effective forest management strategies, extensive plantation campaigns, and robust public participation.
Significant Increase in Forest Cover
The Chief Minister presented impressive data, revealing that Odisha has recorded a substantial increase of 558 square kilometers in forest and tree cover over the past two years. According to his statement, forests and trees now encompass 58,597 square kilometers, which accounts for 37.63 percent of the state's total geographical area.
Majhi detailed the scale of plantation efforts:
- More than 1.49 crore saplings were planted in a single day under the 'Ek Ped Ma Ke Naam' campaign.
- Over 8 crore saplings were planted throughout the course of a single year.
Balancing Industry and Environment
Majhi pointed out that advancements in science and technology have enabled the pursuit of industrialisation in a more compact space without causing significant harm to the environment. He asserted that environmental sustainability and industrial growth can indeed complement each other if managed with the correct equilibrium and foresight.
Forests as Economic Drivers
Referring to this year's theme, "Forests and Economies," the Chief Minister emphasized that forests are vital not only for ecological security but also for the economic development of both the state and the nation. He announced that Odisha has launched comprehensive programmes designed to transform forests into a major source of livelihood and called for collective support to strengthen these initiatives.
Government Efforts and Future Goals
Forest, Environment, and Climate Change Minister Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia stated that the central government has consistently emphasized the development of rural and forest-dwelling communities. He noted that the department is actively working to improve the lives and livelihoods of people residing near forests and is creating alternative livelihood opportunities, particularly in tribal-dominated districts.
Chief Secretary Anu Garg outlined Odisha's ambitious goals for 2036 and 2047, targeting large-scale employment generation alongside economic growth. She revealed that the state plans to create 25 lakh jobs in the tourism sector, with the forest department expected to play a pivotal role. Garg stressed that forests must be developed not only as ecological assets but also as significant economic assets, with a stronger focus on fostering a green economy.
The event highlighted a unified vision for integrating forest conservation with sustainable development, positioning Odisha as a model for balancing ecological preservation with economic progress.
