Van Mahotsav | Authenticity of tree plantation would be checked with drones: CM Sarma
Guwahati, July 7 (NKTV): Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma today attended the mega plantation programme synchronising with the 72nd Van Mahotsav week organised by Environment and Forest Department at the AIIMS construction site at Changsari and rudraksh sapling there.
Speaking on the occasion, the CM said that the Covid-19 pandemic taught the importance of oxygen and therefore, all must strive towards preserving the state’s forests and biodiversity. He also reiterated the importance of Van Mahotsav in spreading the awareness about the importance of greeneries and trees for sustaining ecology.
Saying that the reforestation drive under Assam Project for Forest and Biodiversity Conservation (APFBC) would have to be monitored for quantifying the performance, Sarma stressed on the need to increase the use of technology like satellite imaging by the Forest Department for monitoring activities.
He also said that drone surveys would have to be conducted for verifying the authenticity of all tree plantation programmes carried out under CAMPA and other biodiversity projects.
Highlighting the need for working dedicatedly by Forest Department officials to protect the forests and rich biodiversity of the state, the CM informed that massive reforms would be initiated in the department soon so that incidents like elephants’ death in Bamuni Hills in Nagaon, where rampant deforestation took place, do not reoccur. “Accountability will be fixed and strict action will be taken against Forest Department officials if forests are jeopardised” he added.
Sarma also informed that the state government is considering the option of giving one-month compulsory paid leave to forest guards working in the sanctuaries and forests.
“Forest Department officials must work for preserving forest resources like sand and stones” he said, adding that that forest beats and gates would now be abolished to check corruption and illegal supply of forest resources.
He also advocated simplifying rules for enabling people to grow and sell Agar, red sandalwood or other valuable trees in their private lands without hassle along with allowing them to dig their own lands and selling for the purpose of earth fills.
Forest Minister Parimal Suklabaidya, Health Minister Keshab Mahanta, Industry Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary, MP Queen Ojah, BJP Assam President Bhabesh Kalita, MLAs Diganta Kalita, Suman Haripriya, Hemanga Thakuria, Nandita Das and Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Alka Bhargava were present on the occasion among others.