The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) on 1 April 2026 communicated its Stage-I forest clearance to the Government of Odisha for the proposed Shree Jagannath International Airport at Puri, a decision being widely discussed this week as a major boost for Odishas heritage tourism. The ministry accorded in-principle approval under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, for diversion of 27.887 hectares of forest land under the Puri forest division for construction of the airport. The full airport is planned on a total site of 471.34 hectares, of which only about 27.886 hectares is being diverted from forest cover. The Stage-I clearance comes with a set of mandatory safeguards aimed at protecting the ecologically sensitive Puri coast. These include specific conditions for the protection of Olive Ridley turtle nesting grounds and habitats of migratory birds through designated habitat corridors, light pollution controls, and compensatory afforestation at sites identified elsewhere in Odisha. Authorities have directed that tree felling be minimised through translocation wherever possible and that any felling take place only under supervision of the State Forest Department. The clearance also prohibits setting up labour camps within the diverted forest land, and fuel and energy arrangements must be made in advance to prevent pressure on adjoining forest areas. Importantly, actual construction cannot begin until Stage-II final approval is granted by the Centre after compliance verification. Officials estimate operations could start by 2029-2030 and the airport is expected to significantly expand pilgrimage tourism, support regional economic growth and decongest Bhubaneswar airport.