The Hindu Business Line : AP CM calls for measures to curb felling of trees

THE Chief Minister, Dr Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy, on Monday called upon the Forest Department to streamline its operations and evolve a scientific method to detect illegal felling of trees and extend forest cover to 33 per cent.

Reviewing issues relating to the Department of Environment and Forests, the Chief Minister wanted the Government machinery to step up efforts to contain deforestation, according to a statement from the Chief Minister's Office (CMO).

The Chief Minister, while suggesting a revamp of the department, agreed to fill up 50 per cent of the 97 vacant posts of Forest Range Officers immediately, besides creating better communication facilities in the forest area under the ongoing World Bank Project.

The officials had said that illegal felling could be checked through aerial surveys by installing a device called `Lat-Long recording system' in helicopters, which pilots could operate easily.

In response to this suggestion, the Chief Minister said that the Government is considering the option of establishing an `Aviation Corporation' by adding one more helicopter. One of the helicopters would be offered for use by the Forest and Police departments.

The Government favoured private participation for increasing afforestation by taking up Pongamia plantation for bio-diesel production on wastelands. Since the permission of the Union Government is needed to raise commercial plantations such as coffee and pepper in Araku and Paderu areas of Visakhapatnam district, the Chief Minister directed the officials to seek necessary permission that could transform barren hilly areas and improve department revenues. This would also help the local tribals.

The Chief Minister, while questioning the hierarchy of the department, suggested that there was no need for so many officers to stay at the State headquarters. He suggested most of the posts be transferred to the district and help achieve better results.

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