Odisha Leads Nation in Forest Cover Growth

Odisha has emerged as a national leader in forest conservation, adding 558 sq km of forest and tree cover over the last two years. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi highlighted these achievements during the state-level Van Mahotsav celebrations, emphasizing that environmental conservation and development are complementary goals. The state is implementing its flagship Green Mahanadi Mission, which aims to create a 1.5-km-wide green corridor along key rivers like the Mahanadi to enhance ecological sustainability and maintain perennial river flow.

Further ambitious afforestation plans are underway. The Expanded Green Belt Scheme will plant over 15.93 lakh saplings this year, while urban areas will see approximately 6.95 lakh saplings planted to combat pollution. The CAMPA scheme and the Odisha Forestry Sector Development Project-II, supported by Japan, are also contributing to forest management and conservation efforts.

In a remarkable display of public participation, over 1.49 crore saplings were planted across Odisha in a single day as part of the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' initiative. The state is also focusing on coastal ecosystem protection, developing mangrove forests and restoring saline forests, alongside planting palm saplings to mitigate lightning risks.