Guwahati, August 14 (NKTV): Chief Minister of Assam Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma today interacted with the Divisional Forest Officers (DFO) of Territorial Divisions of Assam Forest Department at Assam Administrative Staff College and discussed various issues regarding protection of forest lands and resources of the state.
In a first of its kind interaction session with the DFOs, the Chief Minister underlined important role played by the DFOs in safeguarding forest lands and resources. He called for complete transparency and utmost dedication in performing their duties for sustaining green cover and rich flora and fauna of the state. Elimination of corrupt practices from the forest department is one of the top priorities of the state government, he said.
Stressing on the need to keep forest lands free from encroachment, Chief Minister. Dr. Sarma directed the Forest department to ensure the no new encroachment takes place on forest lands in the state while going for systematic eviction. He directed the department to keep a strict vigil over the forest lands and act swiftly to prevent encroachment activities.
He also said that ways must be explored to harness and utilise minerals outside forest areas for earning revenue by the Department. Extracting minerals outside the forest areas without causing harm to the environment must be prioritised by the department, he said.
In the meeting, discussion was held to find ways to economically empower forest village dwellers through sustainable and environment friendly methods. Honey collection, mushroom farming are some of the ways through which forest villagers can be financially empowered and he directed the Forest Department to explore possibilities of tie-ups with central agencies for imparting training to the villagers in this regard.
It was decided that meeting with DFOs will be held every six months from now onwards. Apart from today’s meeting with Territorial DFOs another meeting with DFOs (Wildlife) would also be held soon, he said. The Chief Minister also informed that several key decisions regarding reforms in Forest Department will be taken in the next cabinet meeting.
Environment & Forest Minister Parimal Shuklabaidya, Commissioner & Secretary of Forest department G.D. Tripathi, PCCF & HoFF Alka Bhargava, senior officers of the Department were also present in the meeting.