Odisha Mandates Forest Dept. Approval for Cutting Palm Trees

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government is taking a leaf out of tradition’s book to combat lightning strikes. In a bid to curb lightning strike fatalities, the state will see a large-scale plantation drive of palm trees and stricter regulations on felling existing ones.

Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) Debidutta Biswal announced the plan on Monday. Palm trees, due to their natural conductive properties, act as lightning rods, helping to safeguard lives during strikes.

“The Forest Department will plant around 19 lakh palm trees across the state in the 2024-25 financial year,” informed Biswal. “Four saplings will be planted near the boundary of each forest block.” The project is allocated a budget of Rs 7 crore.

But the efforts extend beyond new plantations. To preserve the existing palm tree population, landowners will now require permission from the Forest Department before felling trees on their property. “Strict action will be taken against those who violate this order,” warned Biswal.

This policy reversal stems from a previous relaxation that led to a decline in palm trees, particularly in rural areas. The rise in lightning strike deaths, especially during the monsoon and northwesterly seasons, prompted the government to reinstate the regulation.