Bhubaneswar: The Standing Committee of the Odisha State Board for Wildlife has recommended six key development projects, including irrigation and drinking water initiatives, balancing ecological concerns with rural development needs.
The decision was taken at the committee’s 12th meeting held today at Kharvel Bhawan under the chairmanship of Forest, Environment and Climate Change Minister Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia. The panel functions under provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) (Amendment) Act, 2022 to assess projects impacting wildlife areas.
Of the six proposals reviewed, three relate to irrigation infrastructure in Angul and Mayurbhanj districts. These projects aim to provide assured water supply to agricultural areas, improving farm productivity and supporting rural livelihoods, according to an official release.
The remaining three proposals focus on drinking water supply in remote and forested regions, including areas within and around Satkosia, Similipal, and Chandaka-Dampara wildlife sanctuaries. Officials said these initiatives are intended to address basic public health needs in hard-to-reach habitations.
After detailed deliberations, the committee recommended all six projects for approval by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, who chairs the State Board for Wildlife. Once cleared, the proposals will be sent to the National Board for Wildlife for final approval.
The meeting was attended by MLA Irasis Acharya, Principal Secretary Bhaskar Jyoti Sharma, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Dr K Murugesan, Chief Wildlife Warden Prem Kumar Jha, and other members of the committee.
