Will take 20 yrs to restore green cover destroyed by Cyclone Fani: Odisha Minister

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Forest and Environment Minister Bijayshree Routray today said that around 20 lakh trees were damaged in the devastating cyclonic storm Fani which hit the State on May 3.

The cyclone has caused massive destruction to forests and environment and it will take another 20 years to restore everything, the minister said adding that plantation drives will be taken up on a war footing in Fani-affected areas of the State, including Bhubaneswar.

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Several deer in Balukhand Wildlife Sanctuary also lost their lives due to calamitous impact of cyclone Fani.

“The animals died after uprooted trees fell on them. The carcasses have been recovered. Many deer, who had left the sanctuary after the cyclone, have returned while efforts are on to lure the animals and bring them back to the sanctuary,” Routray said.