CM chairs meeting to review performance of Forest Department

Decision to constitute a high level committee to ‘get clearances’ in Forest Department

Bengaluru, Feb 2.
A decision to constitute a committee headed by the Chief Secretary to accord Forest Department clearances for various projects in the state was taken at a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai to review the performance of the Forest Department.

The Committee would have Additional Chief Secretary of Forest Department, Chief Conservator of Forests, Deputy Conservator of Forests and District Level officers as its members. It was decided to ensure that the committee gives time bound clearances.

Prevent environmental losses

The Chief Minister instructed the officials to assess the environmental losses suffered in the state in the last 5 years based on the report prepared by the Institute of Social and Economic Change (ISEC). Programmes should be drawn up to compensate for these losses. An Environment Budget should be prepare in this regard, Bommai instructed.

AgroForestry

Aforestation increases the green cover and improves the fertility of the soil. Planting of plants and trees helps in getting food and fodder for the livestock. Awareness should be spread among the people on agroforestry. The funds provided for command area development could be used for the purpose, Bommai said.

Man-Animal conflict

The Chief Minister instructed the officials to build railway barricades to avoid Man-Animal conflict as it would prevent crop destruction and loss of lives.

Forest minister Umesh Katti, Forest Development Corporation Chairperson Tara Anuradha and senior officials were present.

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