Odisha aims to boost forest cover by 2070: Pradhan

Sambalpur: Forests are the backbone of Odisha's economy and play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance, Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan said at the Odisha Non-Gazetted Forest Service Association's conference.

He added, "Odisha is second in the country when it comes to forest coverage and Sambalpur is one of the districts with the largest forest cover. Between 2025 and 2070, there is an aim to increase the forest cover. Four out 19 sanctuaries in the state are in Sambalpur. Hence, there should be efforts made for sustainable development of all the jungle products, livelihoods, wildlife and economy in coordination."

He urged for the development of ponds, forest land rights and PESA law's right to implementation. "There should be a continuous effort from the govt to reduce the human-animal conflict, besides the use of advanced technology for the development and conservation of forests," he added.

"We took an oath to bring carbon emissions to net zero by 2070 as per the direction of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Following Mission LiFE, PM's ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' movement was launched," he said.

Regarding the inclusion of forests in school curriculum, the minister said, "State govt has decided to implement the National Education Policy. There will be a new syllabus as per the policy, which will include forest-centric culture and history of forest conservation movements."

"Development does mean developing just the capital city, development should reach every region in the state," Pradhan said.