Clear forest lands from encroachments: Forest Minister Parimal Suklabaidya

HOJAI: Minister for Environment and Forest, Parimal Suklabaidya asked the district administrations of Hojai and Nagaon for upping the ante in clearing the reserve forest lands from encroachments.

In course of the review meetings with the Deputy Commissioners of Hojai and Nagaon, DFOs, MLAs, officials and representatives of political parties on Friday, Minister Suklabaidya directed the administrations to remove encroachments from forest lands. He asked the officials to convince upon the people to clear the forest lands on their own after serving notice and carry out evictions after a stipulated deadline if they fail to do so.

The Minister took stock of the status of the evictions carried out by the police and forest personnel and the total area under encroachments in the respective districts.

Suklabaidya also instructed the administrations to carry out intensive operations against illegal saw mills operating in the districts. He asked the DFOs to dismantle the illegal band saw mills forthwith following their seizure and to dispose of the machineries through auction so that those operating such illegal activities do not get the chance to lay their hands on the accessories to assemble them.

The Minister during his meetings in Hojai and Nagaon also reviewed the status of Excise and Fisheries departments. Suklabaidya urged the officials of Excise department to step up drive against illicit liquor and to generate more revenue through IMFL and heritage drinks. The Minister asked the officials of Fisheries department to ensure benefits from different schemes percolate down to the fishermen and also to step up efforts to make the state self sufficient on the fish production front.

The Minister also reviewed the status of ongoing projects under the Jal Jeevan Mission. Earlier, Suklabaidya planted saplings on the occasion in which he was joined in by the dignitaries, which included former Railway Minister, Rajen Gohain.

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