Need to save forest lands from encroachers: TS PCCF
On the occasion of International Day of Biological Diversity, Telangana State Forest Academy commenced a series of virtual conferences for the forest staff
Hyderabad: Principal Chief Conservator of Forest R Shobha stressed on the need to save forest lands and said stern action would be initiated against officials, if they were found to be involved in any crime.
On the occasion of International Day of Biological Diversity, Telangana State Forest Academy commenced a series of virtual conferences for the forest staff.
These conferences are aimed at enhancing skills and upgrading their capabilities on the important issues pertaining to forest protection, cultural operation, fire prevention, raising nurseries, plantations, soil and conservation, record keeping etc.
As part of the initiative, a virtual conference was organised on Saturday for northern part of Telangana representing Kothagudem, Khammam, Warangal, Karimnagar, Kawal Tiger Reserve and Adilabad circles. A total of 361 field staff participated in the conference.
The PCCF said forest land records should be shared and in coordination with Revenue Department, encroachments should be avoided. Using technology, especially Google timeline maps, changes in forest lands should be regularly monitored, she said.
Awareness programmes should be conducted to apprise local tribes and residents on the importance of forests. Elected public representatives and local MLAs should be regularly updated about activities in forest lands and they should be involved in reclaiming forest lands from encroachments, she said.
“Of late, there are allegations that a few forest officials are involved in different crimes. A thorough investigation will be conducted and stern action will be initiated against officials, if they are involved in illegal activities” said Shobha.
Forest officials said generally forest lands were occupied before rainy season for farming. In this context, a presentation on prevention and control of encroachment was made by Ranjeet Naik, IFS, DFO, Kothagudem; Ram Mohan, FRO, Mulugu, and they shared their field experiences through the presentation.
MJ Akbar, CCF, Hyderabad Circles, shared his experience on controlling encroachment.
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