Bhubaneswar, March 21 -- Odisha's wildlife panel has cleared six irrigation and drinking water projects, balancing infrastructure expansion with conservation safeguards, officials said on Saturday.
The Standing Committee of the State Board for Wildlife approved the proposals at its 12th meeting chaired by Forest, Environment and Climate Change Minister Ganesh Ram Singkhuntia, recommending them for further clearances.
The committee functions under Section 6(A) of the Wildlife (Protection) (Amendment) Act, 2022, ensuring that development initiatives are carefully evaluated alongside wildlife conservation priorities.
Of the six projects, three focus on expanding irrigation infrastructure in Angul and Mayurbhanj districts, aimed at improving...