Large areas of New Hampshire will be targeted for a tree planting initiative.

The district of Sundargarh is currently facing a pressing issue: the lack of trees along two major national highways that pass through it. Due to the construction of NH 143 and NH 215, a significant number of mature and old trees had to be cut down, leaving behind barren stretches of land. As per the rules, for every tree that is felled, ten more should be planted. However, with over 30 thousand trees being cut down, the responsibility of plantation fell upon the National Highways Authorities of India (NHAI), who provided a sum of `28 crore to the Orissa Forest Development Corporation (OFDC) for this purpose.

In 2019-20, the OFDC was sanctioned three lakh saplings to be planted alongside the two highways. However, due to ongoing construction work, the Forest department was unable to carry out the plantation at certain locations. This resulted in over one lakh saplings being shifted to other areas, with 60,000 going to Jharsuguda and 40,000 going to Jajpur. Once the construction was completed, a total of 2,29,000 saplings were planted along the highways. These saplings are of the 18-month variety and are expected to grow up to six feet in height.

Biswajit Raoutray, the General Manager of OFDC, explained that they still require 70,000 more saplings for plantation along NHs 215 and 143. When questioned about the delay, he mentioned that as a corporation, they can only make requests to the NHAI for the required saplings. He assured that he will once again bring this issue to the attention of the NHAI, in hopes of receiving the necessary saplings. Meanwhile, the areas of Rajamunda Chowk, Biramitrapur, and Barkot are currently devoid of any vegetation, giving them a completely barren appearance.

It is crucial to address this issue and carry out the plantation drive as soon as possible. The district of Sundargarh, known for its lush greenery, needs to regain its natural beauty and maintain a healthy balance between development and conservation. Let us hope that the responsible authorities take prompt action to fulfill the required plantation along these national highways.

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