Bhubaneswar: The Standing Committee of the State Board for Wildlife today cleared a proposal for removal of trees which were uprooted/damaged by Cyclone Fani from Balukhand-Konark Sanctuary.
The Committee after detailed discussions on the subject recommended sending the aforementioned proposal for approval of the Chief Minister, who is the Chairman of the State Board of Wildlife.
“The Standing Committee of the State Wildlife Board met today. As you all know about 20 lakh trees were uprooted/damaged under the effect of Cyclone Fani, this matter was discussed in the meeting,” informed Forest & Environment Minister Bikram Keshari Arukha soon after the meeting.
“Wood derived from 3 lakh uprooted/damaged trees out of the 20 lakh will be handed over to the Eco Development Committee there and the wood derived from the remaining 17 lakh trees will be given to Puri Srimandir for use in its kitchen and Swargadwar (Puri cremation ground),” he added.
“The Chairman of the State Board of Wildlife i.e, Chief Minister upon approving the proposal will transmit the same to the Government of India for consideration,” the Minister further said.
