Odisha news today, Latest Oriya News Bhubaneswar Online Odia news Portal
Sambalpur, Dec 15: Forests are the backbone of Odisha’s economy. The leadership of the country’s freedom has been developed from the forest itself. Forest gives us a balanced life. Odisha ranks second in the country in terms of forest coverage. Sambalpur is one of the most forest-rich regions of the state. Plans are afoot to increase forest coverage in the next 45 years from 2025 to 2070.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan stated this while speaking at a seminar titled “Forest Conservation and Present Situation in Odisha”, organized on the occasion of the general council meeting of the Non-Gazetted Forest Service Association.
Pradhan said out of 19 sanctuaries in Odisha, four are located in the Sambalpur region. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a balanced system by maintaining harmony between the local people’s lives, wildlife, forest products, economy, and society in this region. The creation of more forests is not only good for the environment but also a great source of income. The tourism industry of the state can be strengthened by keeping our forests and wildlife safe, contended Pradhan.
The government should make continuous efforts to develop wetlands within forests, ensure forest land rights to forest dwellers, properly implement PESA laws, reduce conflicts between wildlife and humans, etc. Similarly, in the changing world, with the help of new technology, it is also necessary to take steps towards the development and maintenance of our forest resources.
As advised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we have resolved to make India ‘net zero’ in the field of carbon emission. The Prime Minister has launched a campaign, “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam,” with the vision of Mission Life.
Odisha has more than eight thousand non-gazetted forest officers and employees, whose determination and duty are keeping the biodiversity of Odisha in balance. Pradhan discussed various issues regarding their appointment, salary recognition, etc.
The Minister said forest-centric culture, history, and possibilities will be introduced in the syllabus to be prepared under the New Education Policy.
“Forests are the backbone of Odisha’s economy. The livelihood of the tribal brothers and sisters is connected with the forest. In the past, the leadership of the country’s independence was developed from the forest itself. All of these are linked to the Sustainable Development Goals or SDGs. The new curriculum will also focus on connecting forest resources,” said the Minister.
“Odisha will not develop if only Bhubaneswar develops. The benefits of development should reach all regions of the state. Forest resources will play an important role in achieving our Sustainable Development Goals. We can make Odisha the number one forest force in the country by using new technology and empowering our forest personnel, thus realizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s dream to build a developed India by 2047,” said Pradhan.
