Environment lacked attention in Naveen’s Odisha

If Odisha, under the rule of Naveen Patnaik from 2000 to 2015, has achieved significant economic growth, it also carries with it the story of pollution, deforestation and environmental degradation.

Counting on mining, industrialisation and large infrastructure as key sectors for economic development of Odisha, the government under Naveen's leadership has failed to address environmental issues that affect life in most mining and industrial hubs.

Displaced and Deprived

Fifteen years under Naveen Patnaik is often presented as the period of industrialisation and rapid development in Odisha. However, the period has seen massive land grab and large scale displacement as well.

Government’s unilateral approach in development planning and implementation has widened the gulf of mistrust between people and the government bringing the both face to face against each other in almost all project locations over the issue of displacement.

India’s climate change dilemma

Source: Global Times

From coastal to tropical and sub-tropical regions, farmers and forest dwellers across the eastern Indian state of Odisha encounter livelihood issues as climate change has severely impacted agriculture and forced people to migrate.