Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Saturday exhorted the people to protect and conserve forests in order to enhance green cover in the state.
Inaugurating the Divisional Forest Officers’ (DFOs) at the state secretariat here, the Chief Minister said, “I would expect the DFOs to implement all afforestation activities like Ama Jungle Yojana, Green Mahanadi Mission and many other programmes with utmost dedication. For increasing the green cover, soil and moisture conservation measures should be taken up sincerely to mitigate drought like situation, which will also be helpful for the wildlife.”
“It is desirable to protect and manage wildlife habitat in a manner so as to reduce man-animal conflicts. The government has increased compassionate amount for the human loss from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 4 lakh. Compassionate amount should be paid in the field within the time frame so that people should not suffer under any circumstances. It is quite heartening to note that approximately eight lakh rural people of Odisha are benefiting with one single forest produce that is kendu leaves. Pluckers and binders are receiving dividends, incentives, allowances and are covered under various social security schemes. I wish that DFOs should implement the welfare measures most sincerely for the benefit of the people, particularly the disadvantaged groups.”
Stating that forest and environment clearances should be fast tracked so that developmental initiatives are not delayed, the CM praised the vital role played by the DFOs and front line staff of the forest department for efficient management of forests and wildlife.
Among others, Chief Secretary Aditya Prasad Padhi, Forest and Environment Additional Chief Secretary Suresh Mohapatra and Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Subash Mishra were present on the occasion.
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