Bhubaneswar/Rourkela: The Union ministry of environment, forest and climate change has expressed concern over a proposal to fell more than 2,000 full-grown trees inside NIT Rourkela campus for construction of a new building. The development comes after NIT Rourkela allegedly felled nearly 4,000 trees last year for infrastructure development.Acting on a complaint from activist Alaya Samantray, the ministry has asked the state govt to examine the tree-felling proposal in detail and explore the possibility of shifting the project to an alternative site within the campus that reportedly has minimal tree cover.With the letter the ministry forwarded a complaint by Samantaray, who alleged that the proposed site is part of a dense green belt that functions as an ecological buffer zone and supports local flora and fauna.The ministry took note of the matter because of the scale of tree-loss proposed. “Any proposal that involves felling thousands of mature trees must undergo rigorous scrutiny,” read the letter from the ministry.The letter, issued by assistant commissioner (forestry) Sujoy Dutta, states that the Odisha forest, environment and climate change department should furnish an action taken report at the earliest in the matter.Jashabanta Sethi, divisional forest officer, Rourkela said based on the requirement of NIT Rourkela for the institution’s upgrade, necessary permission was sought by the authorities and accordingly, permission was given by the department.Rohan Dhiman, registrar, NIT Rourkela, said pertaining to the felling of trees, all necessary permissions have been obtained. “All trees removed in the past year has been carried out strictly in compliance with environmental regulations,” Dhiman said.Asked about the alleged felling of nearly 4,000 trees last year, Dhiman said they were lawfully removed as part of essential infrastructure development work, including Phase I and Phase II construction of the Kendriya Vidyalaya, as well as a hostel each for boys and girls, and staff quarters.“In lieu of the trees removed, a total of 9,970 trees and plants have been planted across the campus during the 2025-2026 session,” Dhiman said, adding, “We reaffirm that no tree cutting will be initiated without prior approval from the DFO.”Environmentalists welcomed the ministry’s intervention. “The number is huge. If there is a viable alternative available within the campus, it should be prioritised,” said Sailabala Padhi, an environmentalist.
