Over 2 lakh hectors of forest land diverted for industry, mining in Odisha

Bhubaneswar, Sep 23 (UNI) More than two lakh hectares of forest land have been diverted in Odisha for non-forest activities like industry and mining in the last decade, Forest Minister Ganesh Ram Singkhuntia told the Assembly on Tuesday.

On the other hand, the State has gained 277.61 Sq. Km of forest cover in comparison to the previous year, the Minister stated in a written reply.
In Odisha, during the last 10 years (2015-16 to 2024-25) 22180.826 ha of forest land have been diverted for mining, industries and infrastructure projects.
The diversion of forest land has been made in accordance with mandatory clearance in accordance with the law, the minister said.