Odisha added 893 sq-km of forests in two years Official

Bhubaneswar, Mar 21 (PTI) Odisha has gained 893 square-km of forests and tree cowl between 2019 and 2021, a prime state authorities official mentioned on Thursday citing the Forest Survey of India Report 2021.
    At present, Odisha boasts a forest cowl spanning 61,204 square-kilometres, which constitutes 39.31 per cent of the state’s complete geographical space, official sources mentioned.
    Talking at a state-level occasion commemorating World Forestry Day, Satyabrata Sahu, extra chief secretary (forest, setting and local weather change), emphasised the direct impression of forest development on rainfall, floor water availability, and air pollution mitigation.
    “The state has gained 839 sq-km of forests and tree cowl over the past two evaluation years from 2019 to 2021 as per the Forest Survey of India report, 2021,” Sahu mentioned.
    He careworn the importance of afforestation initiatives, urging the involvement of all stakeholders for the preservation of nature and wildlife, essential for the well-being of future generations.
    “Contemplating its significance, we’ve got to amplify afforestation drives involving all. For the protection and safety of nature and setting, safety and preservation of forest and wild animals are crucial. Future era won’t forgive us until we protect nature for them,” he mentioned.
    Highlighting the symbiotic relationship between improvement and nature, Sahu underscored the necessity to keep a fragile steadiness between the 2, with forest division officers and employees enjoying a pivotal function on this endeavour.
    Debidutta Biswal, the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Power (PCCF and HoFF) in Odisha, outlined the goals of World Forestry Day and the theme for the 12 months, ‘Forest & Innovation’. He talked about the division’s efforts to remove polythene use in forests.
    PCCF (WL) Susanta Nanda emphasised the significance of wildlife in ecosystem preservation, whereas PCCF (P&SM) Prafull Kumar Mallik highlighted that forests have international significance.
    In recognition of exemplary providers, State Forestry Awards 2024 have been bestowed upon 40 discipline personnel, together with forest guards, foresters, and forest rangers.
    Moreover, a ebook titled ‘Highlights of Odisha Forestry Sector-2024’ was unveiled, accompanied by a photograph exhibition showcasing Odisha’s wildlife, eco-tourism, and medicinal vegetation.