Nabarangpur: A protest erupted against a tree plantation drive initiated by the Forest Department in the Deoband Bhatajhara Forest under the Mohara Forest Range of Chandahandi. More than 50 people, led by social activist Ghanshyam Majhi, blocked the Chandahandi-Umarkote main road at Deoband today. Due to this road blockade, vehicle movement between Chandahandi and Umarkote was disrupted, causing inconvenience to the general public.
Upon receiving information, officials including Forester Bipin Harijan, Forest Guard Bibita Bishoi, other forest staff, the in-charge officer of Chandahandi police station, and police forces rushed to the site. After persuasion and discussions, the protestors eventually lifted the blockade.
While the Forest Department aims to enhance the beauty of the forest by planting trees in barren areas, the protestors opposed the move under the pretext of forest land being used for cultivation. This incident has been widely condemned by various quarters.
Several groups have demanded that tree plantation in vacant forest land should continue to ensure forest conservation and expansion. Meanwhile, a formal complaint has been lodged against those who blocked the road in protest, as stated by Chandahandi Forester Bipin Harijan to the media.
A joint meeting between the Forest Department and the protestors is expected to be held in the coming days to find a resolution to the issue.
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