Environment Ministry Defers Forest Land Approval for Puri Airport Over Ecological Concerns

Bhubaneswar: The Environment Ministry’s Forest Advisory Committee (FAC) has postponed granting forest land clearance for the proposed Shree Jagannath International Airport in Puri, Odisha, citing significant ecological concerns.

The decision follows apprehensions raised by the ministry’s regional office regarding potential threats to Olive Ridley turtles, Irrawaddy dolphins, migratory birds, and the loss of 13,000 trees that serve as a natural barrier against cyclones along the Puri coastline, as per reports.

The FAC, responsible for evaluating forest land diversion for major projects, has directed the Odisha government to adopt a precautionary approach and consult the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) for expert recommendations.

Considering the concerns about migration routes, threats, and conservation needs of Olive Ridley turtles, Irrawaddy dolphins, and migratory birds visiting Chilika Lake, the state must seek WII’s comments and recommendations, the FAC stated in the minutes of its June 24, 2025, meeting.

The proposed airport, approved by the Union Aviation Ministry on May 5, 2025, is planned on 471 hectares in Sipasarubali, Puri district, with 27.88 hectares of forest land required for the ₹5,631 crore project.

The regional office’s site inspection report highlighted that felling 13,000 trees—primarily casuarina, cashew, acacia, and noni—could weaken Puri’s natural defense against cyclones, a critical concern for the cyclone-prone state. The FAC has instructed Odisha to justify the tree felling and submit a mitigation plan for climate-related risks.

Further concerns include the proximity of the project site to key ecological zones. The Olive Ridley turtle nesting site at Balukhand Wildlife Sanctuary is just 2.3 km away, while Chilika Lake, a major migratory bird habitat, lies approximately 10-11 km from the site. The report also flagged the risk of bird strikes on aircraft due to the area’s rich avian population.

The Odisha government must now address these concerns and provide a comprehensive mitigation strategy before the FAC reconsiders the proposal, as per reports.