Bhubaneswar, July 1: The Forest, Environment and Climate Change department will plant 19 lakh palm trees to check lightning strikes in Odisha.

A decision in this regard was taken in view of the increasing number of deaths due to lightning in the state.

Now, no one can also cut palm trees without the permission of the forest department. Strict action will be taken if the palm trees are cut without permission.

The trees will be planted in all forest blocks of the state for which it will cost a total of around Rs 7.5 crore.

The drive will be carried out at forest blocks across all territorial and wildlife divisions. Four palm trees will be planted near each pillar.

Special Relief Commission (SRC) has also directed the agriculture department to plant palm trees.

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