Question raised in Lok Sabha on Diversion of Forest Land, 15/03/2016. Forest land in urban areas are diverted for development works for providing essential services such as Schools, Drinking water supply, Dispensaries & Hospitals etc. During the last three years and current year, the Central Government has received 81 proposals of development projects in urban areas including from Odisha. 64 proposals were accorded approval and 17 proposals are pending.