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Forest land measuring 1838.79 hectares (ha) has been diverted for 15 industrial projects in the state between 2004 and 2013.
A written reply by Bikram Arukh, minister for forest & environment in the assembly reveals that the forest land has been diverted for project proponents like Posco India, Essar Steel, Aditya Aluminium, Jindal Steel & Power Ltd (JSPL), Bhushan Steel & Power Ltd (BSPL) and Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) to name a few.
To facilitate establishment of an integrated steel plant by Posco India, 1253.22 ha forest land has been diverted under Rajnagar wildlife division in Jagatsinghpur district.
For setting up of an integrated steel complex with a captive power plant (CPP) by JSPL at Angul, 168.23 ha forest land has been diverted.
The quantum of forest land given to other industries include BSPL (59.16 ha), Aditya Aluminium (119.26 ha), Shyam DRI Power (38.39 ha) and Bhushan Steel & Strips (61.47 ha).
In lieu of the forest land allotted to industries, funds worth Rs 161.33 crore have been deposited in the Ad-hoc CAMPA (Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management & Planning Authority) account.
The funds have been deposited under various heads, such as net present value (NPV), compensatory afforestation and wildlife management.
