Bizodisha Bureau, Bhubaneswar, June 25, 2015 : Odisha government will soon launch Phase-II of Jagannath Vanaprakalpa to ensure availability of woods required for car festival of Lord Jagannath in Puri.

During the proposed Phase-II programme, plantation will be taken up eight forest divisions – Dhenkanal, Khariar, Boudh, Athmallik, Bolangir, Khordha, Nayagarh and Jharsuguda, an official press release said.

The state government also has decided to undertake plantation in 1015 hectors spreading over 8 forest divisions during 2015-16.

Chief Secretary G C Pati presiding over a meeting of the officials on Thursday directed forest department to ensure active participation of village community in plantation and protection activities. Chief Secretary has also directed to plan for plantation of phasi trees in the river beds.

“Forest will be created over 1015 hectors out of which 510 hectors will be done through assisted regeneration method and 505 hects will be done through assisted natural regeneration methods”, the release added. .

It may be mentioned that the phase-I Jagannath Vanaprakapla was started in the year 2000-2008 through Odisha Environment Management Fund. By now, 2378 hectares of area have been covered under the programme.

The project was implemented in 10 forest divisions like Angul, Satkoshia, Athmallik, Athgarah, City Forest Division, Boudh, Dhenkanal, Nayagarh, Khurdha and Puri. Around Rs 3.83 crore was spent for the purpose.