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J: Balibo Plantation, Odisha

Updated: Jul 15, 2018

There is clear evidence of large-scale displacement of agriculturalists in the name of offsetting deforestation for the Rengali Irrigation Project. What were the consultation processes before this 27 ha site -- one of 61 projects in this Rs. 193 crore project?

Case Analysis

The Balibo site is one of 61 sites compensating for diversion of more than 800 acres of forest land for the Rengali Irrigation Project (see below).

The total received by CAMPA for diversion of forest land is 193,02,93,103 (Rs 193 crore).


The Balibo site, 27 ha of 'degraded notified forest', is a 3-year project started in 2011. The Forest Department planned to plant 43,200 saplings of 10 species, though the species are not specified. The total budget is Rs 14,85,000 or 34 rs/tree.


Satellite Imagery Analysis

The satellite imagery reveals historical use of the majority of this land for agriculture (2002). Evidence of previous plantations emerge in 2010 though most have been failed to be maintained. By 2014 agriculturalists are removed and by 2016 a plantation has covered nearly the entirety of the site, formerly agricultural plots.



Implications

  • Large-scale displacement of agriculturalists


e-Green Watch Record


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