Hyderabad: With Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao directing officials to take stringent action with regard to forest offences, the department has decided to keep an eye on frequent offenders. The officials have directed the staff to invoke tough Preventive Detention Act if needed. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests P.K. Jha and PCCF (IT) Raghuveer held a video conference with district-level staff regarding the actions to be taken in the protection of forests and to curb smuggling.
Mr Jha told the meeting, “We have to follow the instructions of the Chief Minister regarding the protection of the forests and Haritha Haram. Stringent action should be taken on the illicit felling of wood.”
He said the department could take the help of the police to invoking the PD Act against the offenders if needed. “There will be a complete surveillance of the forest offenders and smugglers. The forest staff and officials should reach the public and create awareness about the importance of the forests,” Mr Jha said.
Mr Raghuveer said many people will not take the risk of smuggling if they understand how strict the forest laws are. “The beat officers should identify repeat offenders and should keep an eye on them,” he said. “Forest protection committee meets must be held under the chairmanship of the district collector.”
