Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao has assured to fill 3,174 vacant posts in the Telangana Forest Department at the earliest.
Addressing a review meeting with the officials at Forest Academy at Dulapally in Ranga Reddy district here on Saturday, the Chief Minister said steps would be taken to fill all vacancies in the Forest Department.
He has also agreed to provide two-wheelers to beat officers. Stating that the government was firm on protecting the forests cover, he informed that the Haritha Haram scheme has been launched to increase forest cover across Telangana.
The Chief Minister vouched to bring in legislation to replace the existing forest law to protect its lands across the State. He unveiled a diary and calendar of the Forest Department on the occasion.
Addressing the officials, he alleged that the previous governments had miserably failed to protect the forest lands. Cases related to cutting of forest trees would be expedited for a speedy action to punish the guilty, he warned. “We will review the existing forest law and give it adequate teeth to deal with the cases,” he stated.
He also expressed concern over the drastic reduction of forest land at many places. This was due to sheer negligence and lack of commitment of the previous Congress and Telugu Desam governments, he said. Stating that he had gone through a forest map, the Chief Minister said there was a need on the part of the Ministers, MLAs and collectors to protect the lands. “Our aim is to protect the lands through Haritha Haram programme of massive plantation.
Now that the TRS is at the helm of affairs, we will sure protect the lands of the forests which is key for protection of wildlife, environment and attract timely rains and maintain ground water table.” He said. CM also directed the local police to assist forest officials in their operations. Forest Minister Jogu Ramanna and senior officials of the Forest Department were also present on the occasion.
