The proposals were at the final stage of the approval process, with some having received conditional permission at stage I. The projects covered several interior locations, including Jhaduguda-Kishanthanda in Kerameri mandal, Naguguda in Tiryani, Gundala via Doddiguda, Alliguda, Karji-Motlaguda, Gangapur-Korsini, Etiguda-Talai and Bejjur-Somini.
Under the clearance conditions, the user agencies or executing departments must pay Net Present Value (NPV) and the cost of compensatory afforestation before obtaining further approvals. They must also submit compliance reports agreeing to meet environmental, forest and wildlife conditions at every stage of the process.
Residents of the affected interior villages criticised the proposed withdrawal, saying the decision would weaken connectivity and restrict access to basic transportation facilities. They urged the authorities to revive the projects, which include roads and bridge facilities intended to connect settlements located within or near forest areas.
Forest officials have faced criticism from residents and local representatives over delays in granting permissions for infrastructure in remote parts of the district. Panchayat Raj Executive Engineer Dharmendar said the proposals were withdrawn on the instructions of higher authorities after a team from the ministry’s Chennai office inspected the sites. He said the roads had not secured the required clearances at stages I and II, prompting the department to cancel the proposals.