Odisha logs 558 square km increase in forest covers in two years

Odisha has posted a notable expansion of its green footprint, adding 558 square kilometres of forest and tree cover over the past two years. Speaking at the state-level World Forest Day 2026 event in Bhubaneswar, the state leadership framed the gains as the result of tighter forest management, mass plantation campaigns, and a growing public stake in conservation.

What the numbers say

• Net increase in forest and tree cover over two years: 558 sq km
• Share of forest and tree cover in Odisha’s total geographical area: 37.63%
• Total forest and tree cover: 58,597 sq km
• Plantation drive outcomes: 14.9 million saplings planted in a single day; over 80 million within a year under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign

Officials described the trajectory as part of a sustained effort to restore degraded landscapes, expand community-led plantations, and protect existing forests, particularly in ecologically sensitive zones.

Forests and economy: from ecology to livelihoods

With “Forests and Economy” as this year’s theme, the state’s message was clear: forests are central not only to biodiversity and climate resilience, but also to jobs and income. The administration reiterated a strategy to create more livelihood opportunities linked to forests—ranging from non-timber forest products and nature-based tourism to value-added processing—while keeping conservation at the core.

There was a specific emphasis on improving incomes for communities living in and around forests, especially in tribal-dominated districts, by widening market access, strengthening producer groups, and integrating skill development. The approach aligns with a broader “green economy” vision that treats ecological assets as engines of long-term, inclusive growth—complementing the state’s ongoing work in the “blue economy” across coasts and rivers.

Tourism’s job potential

Tourism was highlighted as a powerful multiplier if built on responsible, low-impact models. Projections presented at the event underscored that tourism alone could unlock up to 2.5 million jobs in the years ahead, provided forests remain healthy, accessible, and well-managed. That includes upgrading eco-trails, strengthening community-based hospitality, and investing in interpretation centers that can educate visitors while creating local employment.

Balancing industry and conservation

With industrial growth high on the state’s agenda, leaders stressed a compatibility mindset: sustainable industrialisation should proceed without undermining ecological thresholds. The pathway they outlined leans on environmental safeguards, science-led land-use planning, and technology to monitor and mitigate impacts.

In practical terms, that can include adopting cleaner production standards, prioritizing brownfield over greenfield expansion where feasible, enforcing no-go zones for sensitive habitats, and leveraging digital tools—such as GIS mapping, satellite imagery, and near-real-time dashboards—to ensure transparency and accountability. The underlying point: economic expansion today must not compromise the natural capital on which tomorrow’s prosperity depends.

Fire prevention and human–wildlife coexistence

Rising temperatures and dry spells can intensify forest fire risks across parts of Odisha. The administration called for stronger fire-preparedness—early detection, fire lines, robust community vigilance, and rapid response—and announced zero tolerance for man-made fires, with strict action against offenders.

Reducing human–wildlife conflict remains another priority. Officials flagged measures such as securing crop boundaries, improving habitat connectivity, boosting compensation mechanisms, and expanding community awareness programs to lower risk for both people and wildlife. Integrated planning around corridors and water sources is expected to be central to this effort.

Long-term horizon: 2036 and 2047

Odisha’s forward plan stretches well beyond immediate targets. Milestones for 2036 and 2047 point to accelerated growth and wider employment, underpinned by an environmental safety net. The intent is to institutionalize conservation gains through sustained financing, inter-departmental coordination, and community stewardship, so that gains in canopy and biodiversity translate into durable socio-economic returns.

Leadership and stewardship

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi underscored that the recent uptick in forest cover reflects disciplined management and citizen participation, framing it as a blueprint for other sectors seeking sustainable growth. The Forest, Environment and Climate Change portfolio, led by Minister Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia, reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing the welfare of forest-reliant communities.

Chief Secretary Anu Garg detailed how forests will anchor the state’s long-range development objectives, particularly in job creation and tourism. Senior officials, including Principal Secretary Bhaskar Jyoti Sharma and the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force Dr. K. Murugesan, joined the deliberations, signaling an integrated push—from grassroots plantations to high-level policy—to keep Odisha’s green cover moving in the right direction.

The takeaway

Odisha’s latest figures show more than a statistical bump. They signal a model where conservation is tied to livelihoods, technology backs field action, and growth is measured not just in output but in ecological resilience. The challenge now is to convert momentum into permanence—protecting forests from fires and fragmentation, scaling nature-positive jobs, and ensuring that every new hectare gained is secured for generations.