Latest news with #Koraput-based
Time of India
10 hours ago
- General
- Time of India
OFDC faces flak over afforestation, blames funding gaps
Koraput: Odisha Forest Development Corporation (OFDC), Jeypore division, is facing criticism over its compensatory afforestation drive, with data revealing a glaring gap between trees felled for infrastructure projects and those replanted. Between 2015 and 2025, over 30,348 trees were felled for widening National Highways and PWD roads across the Jeypore and Malkangiri forest divisions. But OFDC planted only 33,585 saplings — well short of the mandated 60,696, which is double the number of trees cut. Major felling included 10,285 trees for PWD roads, 9,195 for the NH-326 stretch, and 10,701 under the Bharatmala project. Despite receiving over Rs 10.56 crore from govt departments for tree felling and transportation, replantation and post-plantation care mandated under compensatory afforestation norms appear grossly inadequate, sources alleged. OFDC divisional manager Soubhagya Anand acknowledged the shortfall, stating that many departments had failed to deposit the required funds for plantation. "We are continuously following up. Recently, the PWD Jeypore division deposited funds for 10,000 saplings, and plantation work will begin shortly," Anand said. He added that the divisional forest office (DFO) is responsible for inspecting compensatory plantations and that the issue has been formally communicated to the concerned DFO. Jeypore DFO Pratap Kumar Behara confirmed that departments are required to deposit funds both for felling and compensatory plantation. "Strict instructions are in place to ensure plantation funds are secured before any felling begins," Behara said. Environmentalists warn that the govt's inadequate response is undermining efforts to restore green cover lost to infrastructure development. "It is unfortunate that century-old trees are being felled for road expansion, but no adequate compensation is being made. This has a direct negative impact on the region's climate," said Bidyut Mohanty, a Koraput-based environmentalist.
Time of India
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Cong neta Pangi reiterates demand for separate ‘Dandakaranya' state
1 2 Koraput: Senior Congress member and former Koraput MP Jayaram Pangi has reiterated his demand for the creation of a separate state, 'Dandakaranya', comprising parts of southern Odisha and northern Andhra Pradesh. The proposed state would include the Odisha districts of Koraput, Rayagada, Gajapati, Nabarangpur and Malkangiri, as well as Alluri Sitharama Raju and Parvathipuram Manyam districts of Andhra, he suggested. Speaking to TOI, the 69-year-old tribal leader expressed frustration over what he termed as prolonged inaction by both state govts and the Centre in resolving the six-decade-old inter-state dispute over ownership of 21 villages under Kotia panchayat. "While the BJP is in power in Odisha and at the Centre, and is also a coalition partner in the TDP-led govt in Andhra Pradesh, the party has shown no commitment to settle the Kotia dispute . If this continues, we will have no option but to demand a separate state," Pangi said. A native of Thuria village under Kotia panchayat and a four-time Pottangi MLA, Pangi has consistently advocated for regional autonomy. In 2021, he formed the Dandakaranya Parbatmala Vikash Parishad, aiming to address the development concerns of tribal-dominated areas across Odisha, Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với sàn môi giới tin cậy IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo "Kotia is just one of several unresolved inter-state border issues. Similar disputes exist in Malkangiri, Rayagada and Gajapati districts. A separate state is the only way to ensure proper governance and development," he said. Pangi pointed out that nearly 80% of the population in the Andhra districts proposed to be included in 'Dandakaranya' belong to the Kondha and Paraja tribes, who he claims feel marginalised and under-represented. When questioned about his earlier proposal for a Union Territory named 'Dandakaranya', Pangi clarified, "That idea was rejected by several core committee members because a UT would remain under the Centre's control. We now believe that an independent state is the only solution." Political observers viewed Pangi's demand with scepticism. "Pangi appears to be trying to regain political relevance after being sidelined within the Congress," said a Koraput-based political analyst. Pangi, however, refuted such claims. "Congress has always respected me. I currently serve as chairman of the state tribal cell and remain active in party affairs," he said. Asked whether his statehood campaign could conflict with his role in the Congress, Pangi said, "If I face obstacles in pursuing this goal while in the party, I may consider other options in the future." Claiming Pangi's demand as a political stunt to grab attention, senior BJP member Goutam Samantaray said Kotia is an integral part of Odisha and the state govt has taken several measures to strengthen infrastructure in the panchayat. "The matter is sub judice in the Supreme Court and govt is monitoring the situation," he said.
