Bhubaneswar, March 23 -- The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has sought an action taken report from the Odisha government over allegations that more than 2,000 mature trees may be felled for a new building project at National Institute of Technology (NIT), Rourkela. .

In a letter dated March 20 to the additional Chief Secretary of the Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department, the ministry asked the officials to examine a complaint filed by an environmental activist and take action in line with applicable environmental laws. It also directed the state to submit a report at the earliest for further consideration.

Environmental activist Alaya Samantaray's complaint alleged that the proposed construction site lie...