Bhubaneswar, March 23 The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has sought a report on the alleged proposal to fell more than 2,000 mature trees for the construction of a new building at the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Rourkela, from the Odisha Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department.
Acting on a complaint filed by Alaya Samantaray, an RTI and Environmental Activist, the MoEF&CC wrote to the Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Forest, Environment and Climate Change (FE&CC), Odisha, on March 20, urging immediate action in accordance with applicable rules and regulations.
"The complainant alleges that the proposed site is part of a dense green area that serves as an ecological buffer zone and habitat for local flora and fauna. It has also been stated that an alternative site within the campus, where foundation work for the Civil Engineering Department has already been initiated and which reportedly involves minimal tree cover, may be considered to avoid large-scale felling of trees," the letter stated.
The MoEF&CC urged the department to examine the matter in detail and ensure that necessary action is taken in accordance with the applicable rules and regulations.
"A report on the matter may also be furnished to this office at the earliest for further necessary action," the letter further added.
Samantaray stated that NIT Rourkela, located in a lush green area in an industrial city, not only serves as a buffer zone for the campus itself but also acts as the lungs of the steel city of Rourkela. He described the greenery within the NIT campus as a paradise for diverse wildlife, flora, and fauna. "Often, trees have been felled within the campus for different construction activities.
However, the present proposal to fell more than 2,000 mature trees within the campus for a new building is unnecessary and could be avoided," noted Samantaray.
He emphasised that the foundation stone for the Civil Engineering Department, laid over an area of more than five acres, could easily accommodate the proposed new structures. Instead of utilising the earmarked site, the NIT authorities are proposing to fell trees at another location.
The environmental activist also requested the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Rourkela, to reconsider the permission granted and direct the NIT authorities to revisit their building plan and explore an alternative site, ensuring the barest minimum felling of trees.