Kendujhar Archery Academy Faces Backlash Over Tree Uprooting Controversy
Controversy Surrounds Archery Academy Project
Kendujhar: A new archery academy project in Kendujhar district has sparked a significant controversy as local residents claim that numerous trees were removed unlawfully during the development phase.
The academy is being established on approximately 5.5 acres of land in Ramchandrapur mouza, which has been leased to the District Sports Officer.
Residents have raised concerns that the project was initiated on grazing land without the necessary approval from the Gram Sabha, jeopardizing the livelihoods of local cattle owners.
According to official documents, the Forest department had identified 92 acacia trees for removal after the District Sports Officer paid Rs 2.62 lakh for their assessed value.
In a directive dated June 8, 2026, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Dhanaraj HD instructed that the trees be removed either by the Odisha Forest Development Corporation Ltd. or by the project team under the oversight of the Sadar range officer to optimize timber recovery. The order also required the planting of 920 saplings as part of compensatory afforestation.
The uproar began when villagers accused the contractor of using an excavator to uproot the trees rather than following the proper felling procedure. They argued that this method diminished the timber's value, led to financial losses for the Forest department, and harmed local bird habitats.
Additionally, villagers referenced a letter dated June 12, 2026, from the Divisional Manager of the Odisha Forest Development Corporation to the Sub-Divisional Magistrate, which requested a tree-felling estimate before the timber could be taken into custody. They alleged that the trees had already been uprooted prior to the estimate being finalized.
District Sports Officer Saroj Kumar Mallik defended the tree removal, asserting that it was conducted in compliance with regulations.
Sadar Range Officer Ajit Kumar Das stated that the allegations would be thoroughly investigated.
Local residents are calling for a comprehensive inquiry into the situation.