Odisha Wildlife Board Clears Key Projects for Balanced Growth
Standing Committee approves mobile towers and major highway proposal while reinforcing wildlife protection strategies
Bhubaneswar: Odisha reaffirmed its commitment to balanced development and ecological protection at the 11th meeting of the Standing Committee of the State Wildlife Board, held at the Forest, Environment, and Climate Change Department in Bhubaneswar. The committee, chaired by Forest and Environment Minister Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia, reviewed critical proposals designed to improve rural connectivity while ensuring minimal impact on wildlife habitats.
The Standing Committee, established under Section 6(A) of the Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022, is mandated to take timely decisions on wildlife-related matters. Saturday’s meeting highlighted how Odisha is increasingly focusing on development that aligns with conservation needs, especially in rural and eco-sensitive zones.
Officials noted that several remote villages still struggle with limited connectivity, affecting access to education, healthcare, and emergency support. The committee emphasised that bridging these gaps is essential—not only for human welfare but also for improving monitoring and rapid response in wildlife-rich landscapes.
Of the five proposals presented, four related to the installation of mobile towers under the Government of India’s 4G saturation programme. These towers will connect underserved rural communities, integrate them with essential state services, and enable digital accessibility.
The approved telecom projects include:
- A mobile tower by Reliance Jio in Belagam village, Gajapati
- A BSNL tower in Buriapaju village, Nayagarh
- A BSNL tower in Janakjhali village, Nayagarh
- A BSNL tower in Rekadi village, Nayagarh
The committee noted that improved connectivity also supports wildlife surveillance, reduces human-animal conflict response time, and strengthens coordination among forest teams.
The fifth proposal reviewed was a major road connectivity project under the Bharatmala Pariyojana: the construction of a national highway from Gobindpur in Dhenkanal district to Tangi in Cuttack district. The new corridor will help ease heavy congestion on NH-16 between Cuttack and Bhubaneswar, one of Odisha’s busiest stretches.
Members stressed the need for strict environmental safeguards in the highway design, including wildlife crossings, noise barriers, and movement corridors wherever required.
After detailed evaluations, the committee approved all five proposals. These will now go to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Chairperson of the State Wildlife Board, for endorsement. Once cleared at the state level, the proposals will be forwarded to the Central Wildlife Board for final approval.
Beyond infrastructure proposals, the committee also discussed broader ecological challenges. These included:
- Strategies to reduce human-wildlife conflict
- Habitat improvement measures
- Strengthening field-level response mechanisms
- Addressing internal administrative and operational bottlenecks
Officials reiterated that Odisha will continue prioritising wildlife safety while pursuing essential development in remote areas.
The meeting was attended by policymakers, forest officials, wildlife scientists, telecom representatives, and members from multiple agencies. Among them were Bhatli MLA Debashish Acharya, Additional Chief Secretary Satyabrata Sahu, PCCF (Hoff) Suresh Pant, Chief Wildlife Warden Prem Kumar Jha, DGP (Crime Branch) Sarthak Sarangi, former PCCF Dr. Ajit Kumar Pattnaik, and representatives from Wildlife Institute of India and National Highways Authority.
The meeting showcased Odisha’s evolving approach: connecting people while protecting forests. With new digital and road connectivity initiatives paired with strong monitoring and conservation strategies, the state continues to build a model of sustainable development that benefits both communities and wildlife.
