Odisha Orders Fast-Tracking of Forest Clearances for Key Infrastructure Projects
ACS Satyabrata Sahu directs officials to prioritise land diversion, expedite statutory approvals for highways, railways and telecom works
Bhubaneswar : In a decisive move to accelerate infrastructure growth, the Odisha government has directed forest officials to fast-track forest land diversion proposals and environmental clearances for critical projects, including national highways, railways, pipelines, and mobile connectivity infrastructure.
At a high-level review meeting chaired by Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) of the Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department, Satyabrata Sahu, officials were instructed to treat such projects as priority cases and ensure time-bound clearances. The move aims to remove procedural bottlenecks delaying key development initiatives across the state.
Push for Speed and Accountability
The ACS directed divisional forest officers (DFOs) and nodal officers to adopt a proactive monitoring system, ensuring compliance at every stage of the forest diversion process. User agencies, including public sector undertakings and private firms, have been advised to promptly submit all necessary documents, maps, and enclosures to the concerned forest divisions to minimize administrative delays.
“Forest clearance is a vital link in project execution. Departments must work in coordination with user agencies to avoid repetitive paperwork and unnecessary correspondence that slow down approvals,” a senior forest official said after the meeting.
Monitoring Key Projects Under PMG and Pragati
Sahu reviewed the status of major projects listed on the Project Monitoring Group (PMG) and Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation (Pragati) portals of both central and state governments. These include the Capital Region Ring Road (CRRR), Gorumahisani railway line project under South Eastern Railway, 4G-based mobile service projects by Reliance Jio Infocomm Ltd (RJIL) and BSNL, and the Geological Survey of India (GSI) exploration proposals.
Industrial projects such as Kalta iron ore mines of Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), OPTCL transmission lines, and Kalyani Steel’s integrated steel plant proposal were also reviewed for pending clearances.
Progress and Challenges Identified
According to officials, significant progress has been achieved in telecommunication projects by BSNL and RJIL, particularly in the laying of optical fibre cables and tower installations in remote and forested areas. The status of OPTCL’s transmission line works and GSI’s exploration initiatives was also reported as satisfactory.
However, the meeting highlighted pending wildlife clearance issues related to the CRRR project. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Prem Kumar Jha was instructed to coordinate with relevant agencies and expedite resolution to prevent further delay.
“The CRRR project is crucial for easing traffic congestion and improving regional connectivity around Bhubaneswar. All forest and wildlife-related hurdles must be addressed on priority,” Sahu said.
Deadline Set for CRRR Land Issues
The ACS has set a clear deadline of December 20 for resolving land acquisition and clearance issues in Dhenkanal, Athagarh, Cuttack, and Khurda forest divisions, where stretches of the CRRR are facing delays. DFOs of these divisions have been asked to coordinate closely with district collectors and user agencies to complete the diversion process within the stipulated timeframe.
Nodal officers have also been directed to maintain constant supervision and report progress to the department to ensure accountability.
Balancing Development with Ecology
Officials clarified that while the government is keen to fast-track approvals, environmental safeguards will remain a key consideration. “The objective is not to bypass regulation but to ensure efficiency without compromising on ecological integrity,” the official added.
The meeting reflects the state’s growing emphasis on integrating development and environmental management — ensuring that projects vital to Odisha’s economic growth, such as highways, railways, and digital infrastructure, move ahead without bureaucratic delays while maintaining sustainability standards.
With several major industrial and transport projects lined up, the directive marks a push towards synchronised governance and faster delivery under the state’s “development with responsibility” framework.
