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Rs 241 crore to Orissa

the Union ministry of environment and forests has formulated a Rs 241-crore project for ecological rehabilitation of the cyclone-ravaged areas in Orissa over a period of five years. The ministry will also request the Planning Commission to immediately release Rs 26.67 crore, out of which Rs 7.45 crore is to be used for salvaging trees that have been uprooted. Minister of environment and forests T R Balu said that if these trees are properly salvaged and sold, Rs 200 crore can be earned.

Balu said that the ministry would adopt a three-pronged approach to protect environment, generate employment and remove poverty. The ministry is encouraging development of mangroves in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, West Bengal and Orissa.

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