SAMBALPUR: Union Education Minister and Sambalpur MP Dharmendra Pradhan on Sunday said the focus is on increasing the forest cover in Odisha in next 45 years.
Speaking at the Odisha Non-Gazetted Forest Service Association, Sambalpur Circle at MCL Auditorium in Burla, Pradhan laid emphasis on the importance of forests in the state’s economy. “Forests are the backbone of Odisha’s economy. The livelihood of tribals is connected with the forest. Odisha ranks second in the country in terms of forest coverage and Sambalpur is one of the most forested regions of the state. The target is to increase our forest area in next 45 years,” he said adding, leaders of the country’s freedom struggle and Independence came from forests.
Out of 19 sanctuaries in Odisha, four are in Sambalpur region. Therefore, it is necessary to maintain harmony between people, wildlife and forests and develop a balanced system. More afforestation is not only good for the environment, but also a great source of livelihood. The tourism industry of the state can be strengthened by keeping the forests and wildlife safe, he said.
The union minister further said the government is making efforts to develop water bodies within forests, implement PESA Act properly and reduce conflicts between wildlife and humans.
“In the changing world, it is also necessary to take steps towards development and conservation of our forest resources with the help of new technologies. Going by the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we have set a target of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2070. To realise the objective of mission LiFE, Prime Minister Modi has also launched ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign in the country,” he said.
Stating that Odisha will not develop if only Bhubaneswar is developed, Pradhan said 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 to realise the dream of the prime minister to build a developed India by 2047.”
The Odisha government has taken a bold decision to implement the National Education Policy in the state. The new curriculum, which will be developed under the policy, will teach about the forest-centric culture, history and potential of Odisha, he said.
“Odisha has more than 8,000 non-gazetted forest officers and workers, whose determination and dedication has kept the bio-diversity of Odisha in balance,” the minister added.