Money sought from Coal authorities for Wildlife Management Plan

In view of large scale destruction of forest cover due to coal mining, the forest department has sought Rs 7.17 crore from the coal mining authorities. The money has been levied at the rate of Rs 20,000 per hectare. The coal mines against which the money has been charged are Natraj, Jagannath, Ananta, Nadira and Bhubaneswari. The money available will be spent on wildlife development in the nearby Kanheijena reserve forest and other adjoining areas. There has been depletion of huge forest cover like dense Rakus forest at Talcher for coal mining where wild animals used to live.