Bhubaneswar: Speaking on the occasion of the 72nd Van Mahotsav programme at the Badagada High School here Monday in the City, Forest and Environment Minister Bikram Keshari Arukha said that the government aims to undertake afforestation programme on around 1.50 lakh hectares in 2021-22 by spending Rs 599 crore under different schemes. The government will plant 6.67 crore saplings on the land and also distribute 3.21 crore saplings.
This afforesation programme will be undertaken under different schemes such as Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA), Odisha Forestry Sector Development Project, Ama Jangala Yojanam, Green India Mission and others.
Minister Arukha said that during the Cyclone Yaas several areas of the state, especially the northern parts, suffered severe damages, as large number of trees was uprooted. To replenish the damage, plantation of large number of trees is the only option. “We are working in that direction with all our strength,” he said.
Additional Chief Secretary Mona Sharma said that the forest cover in Odisha has increased by 274 sq km in the last two years. The forest area of Odisha, known for its rich biodiversity, wildlife sanctuaries and wetland, has increased from 51,345 sq km in 2017 to 51,619 sq km in 2019. Odisha also secured the fourth rank in Total Forest Cover.