Forest Deptt. Celebrates State level World Forestry Day

Bhubaneswar : Forests are an integral part of planet and life. A greener planet means a better planet in terms of environment, bio-diversity, air, water and climate. Our Chief Minister is a nature lover. Under his dynamic leadership, guidance and all yours support, Odisha has seen a steady rise in forest and tree cover over the years. In last two years Odisha’s forest and tree cover has gone up by 893 square kilometer. Similarly, Odisha records the highest gain of 8.34 kilometer in mangrove cover in the entire country, said Sri Pradip Kumar Amat, Minister, Forest, Environment and Climate Change during the State level celebration of World Forestry Day at Jayadev Bhawan today.

The State Government has taken various initiatives to plant 3.49 crore seedlings besides distribution of over 1.95 crore seedlings to individuals and institutions this year. Under “Ama Jungle Yojana” Vana Surakhya Samitis are being involved to promote participatory and sustainable forest management. The project has so far reached out to over 4.2 lakh households through 4601 VSSs of 22 forest divisions informed Chief Guest Sri Amat.

It is not an easy job in the trying conditions of forest to mitigate forest fire, protect and preserve the wild animals and forest and most importantly human-wild animal conflict. Combined and committed efforts of Forest staff and volunteers are the reasons of Odisha’s forest, tree cover and wild animals rise, lauded Additional Chief Secretary Dr. Mona Sharma.

State Forestry Award-2023 were awarded to 39 Forest field personnel of the rank of Forest Ranger, Forester and Forest Guard for their outstanding performance in forest and wildlife protection, afforestration and related fields.

A brochure titled “Highlights of Odisha Forestry Sector-2023” highlighting various activities of the department, was released on the occasion.

The Principal Chief Conservation of Forests and Head of Forest Force Sri Debidutta Biswal spoke about the importance of this years theme “Forests and health” on his welcome address, whereas PCCF (ME&IV) Sri Om Prakash Singh offered the vote of thanks. Sri Mrutyunjaya Rath coordinated the programme.