Excelsior Correspondent
Kathua, May 3: To take first hand view of the department and its allied wings, Minister for Forests, Environment and Ecology, Rajiv Jasrotia today held whistle-stop tour beginning from Lakhanpur Forest Check Post and culminating at Range Office, Hiranagar.
While inspecting Lakhanpur Forest Check Post, the Minister directed DFOs, officers of Pollution Control Board (PCB) and Forest Protection Force (FPF) to increase their vigil to curb the menace of polythene and willow cleft smuggling by conducting joint inspection along the National Highway besides establishing online connection between the check posts and the head office for greater transparency and accountability.
To improve the infrastructure at Lakhanpur Check Post, Jasrotia directed the concerned officials to submit a detailed proposal for modernization of the check post by incorporating latest technology. “There is a need for streamlining revenue realization mechanism at Forest Check Posts”, Rajiv said while inspecting the Basohli Morh Forest Check Post at Lakhanpur.
People at village Kharote apprised the Minister of their demands which includes augmentation of drinking water, repair of roads and establishment of skill development centre for women.
Forest Minister gave them patient hearing and directed Executive Engineers of PHE to resolve their issues at the earliest.
Rajiv also inspected the rejuvenation work on the pond at village Kharote and directed the concerned to develop it as a recreation spot.
During the inspection of restoration work of ponds at Lachipur and Jasrota Wildlife Sanctuary which were earlier taken up for renovation at an estimated cost of Rs. 68 lakh and Rs 64.54 lakh respectively, the Minister directed the DFO to complete the pending work at the earliest besides developing a green belt along the pond. “The work on the pond must include preparations of walkways, entrance gate, seating arrangements and green space besides other works”, Rajiv said.
DFOs, Range Officers, District Officer of PCB and members of civil society were present on this occasion.
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