Bhubaneswar: Forest cover in the state has increased by 3.4 lakh hectares during the last two decades, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said at the Divisional Forest Officers (DFO) conference here Saturday.
Patnaik said efforts should be made to increase the green cover with the participation of people through Vana Surakhya Samitis and Eco Development Committees.
The chief minister asked the DFOs to strengthen the joint forest management (JFM) for the protection and conservation of forest and wildlife and appealed them to continue their effort to increase the green cover. “I expect all DFOs to implement all afforestation activities like ‘Ama Jungle Yojana’ and ‘Green Mahanadi Mission’’ with utmost dedication. Soil and moisture conservation should be taken up to increase the green cover, to mitigate the drought like situation which would be helpful for the wildlife.
Patnaik said wildlife habitat should be protected and managed in a manner to reduce man-animal conflict.
The state government, he said, has increased the compassionate amount for the loss of human life from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 4 lakh. The compassionate amount should be paid in the field within time frame so that people would not suffer under any circumstance, he added.
Patnaik asked the DFOs to implement various welfare measures launched by the government for the benefit of people particularly the disadvantage groups.
He also said the environmental clearances for various infrastructure development should be fast-tracked to ensure that development projects are not delayed.
He asked the forest officers to dedicate themselves for the protection and regeneration of forest for harmonious co-existence with nature and bequeath the future a green environment.
Official sources said the state recorded 34.9 per cent of the geographical area as forest which is more that the national goal of 33 per cent.
The state has taken steps to bring about 12,000 sq km of forest under JFM by constituting 12,666 Vana Surakhya Samities. As many as 534 eco development committees have been formed so far in and around protected areas for protection of sanctuaries and national parks.
UNI
