Bhubaneswar, Mar 23: The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has sought an action taken report from the Odisha government over allegations of large-scale tree felling at National Institute of Technology Rourkela.

In a communication dated March 20, the Ministry wrote to the Additional Chief Secretary of the state’s Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department following a complaint by environmental activist Alaya Samantaray. The complaint alleged that more than 2,000 full-grown trees may be cut for a proposed construction project within the campus.

The Ministry has directed state authorities to thoroughly examine the issue and take appropriate action in line with environmental laws. It has also asked for an early submission of a detailed report outlining the steps taken.

According to the complaint, the proposed construction site is located in a dense green patch within the campus that acts as an ecological buffer and supports biodiversity. The activist suggested considering an alternative site within the campus, where groundwork for the Civil Engineering Department has already begun and tree cover is relatively low.

Samantaray highlighted the ecological significance of the NIT campus, calling it a “green lung” for Rourkela. He urged authorities, including the Divisional Forest Officer, to review permissions and explore options to minimise environmental impact.

The matter has sparked concerns over balancing infrastructure development with environmental conservation.

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