Patnaik's direction came close on the heels of Union Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari blaming the state government for the delay in the implementation of several national highway projects and the construction of the second bridge over river Brahmani near Rourkela.
Gadkari had cited delay in forest clearance and land acquisition as the major reasons for the delay.
Addressing a conference of divisional forest officers here yesterday, the chief minister said, "These clearances should be fast tracked so that developmental initiatives are not delayed."
Joint forest management should be strengthened for protection and conservation of forests and wildlife, he said.
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Patnaik asked the DFOs to implement afforestation programmes such as 'Ama Jungle Yojana', Green Mahanadi Mission and activities involving massive plantation drives.
For increasing the green cover, soil and moisture conservation measures should be taken up sincerely to mitigate drought-like situation, he said.
The chief minister expressed happiness over the increase in forest cover by around 3.4 lakh hectares in the state during the last two decades.
Stating that around eight lakh rural people in the state depend on kendu leaves, Patnaik said pluckers and binders are receiving dividends, incentives, allowances and are covered under several social security schemes.
The chief minister asked the officers to sincerely implement the welfare measures for the benefit of the people, particularly the disadvantaged groups.