Bhanjanagar: The delay in utilisation of funds provided by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for development work in Bhanjanagar North Ghumusar forest division in Ganjam district has irked some officials. Sources informed Friday that a major portion of the funds earmarked for various projects has not been utilised within the prescribed deadline. This fact came to the fore at a review meeting presided over by DFO Sudarshan Behera on utilisation of JICA funds recently. He expressed displeasure over the slow pace of fund utilisation and directed rangers to ensure the timely completion of projects.
The objective of JICA projects is to enhance the forest ecosystem along with providing livelihood to local people. This can be done by improving sustainable forest management, biodiversity conservation, and community development. If the projects are successfully handled they will contribute to the socio-economic development of Odisha, the sources said.
Various projects linked to forest protection and livelihood promotion of people are in progress in the Central range, the Mujagarh and Jagannathprasad range and Tarsingh range. JICA has provided over Rs 1,000 crore for the purpose. The second phase of work in Ghumusar range is in progress and has to be completed within a time span of 10 years. Sources said NGOs are involved in the projects. They added that work, where Vana Surakshya Samitis are working in coordination with forest officials, has been quite successful.
The meeting also focused on bird census and measures to prevent forest fires in these ranges. The counting of birds will start in various ranges January 10. The Forest department has formed 24 teams for this purpose in Bhanjanagar North Ghumusar division. The DFO also directed the officials to start awareness drives in rural areas so that people can be sensitised against forest fires.