Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 4: Issuing strict warning to the forest land grabbers and timber smugglers across the State, Minister for Forest, Environment & Ecology and Social Welfare, Bali Bhagat today said that Government will deal with the elements involved in such unscrupulous acts sternly to save the State’s natural resources.
Addressing largely attended public meetings in Raipur-Domana constituency here today, the Minister said that a huge chunk of forest land is in the possession of land grabbers across the State and Government has launched a massive campaign to get it vacated. He said concerned officers in the Department have been given categorical instructions and a free hand to retrieve the encroached land in a time bound manner, adding that any negligence on the part of the officers will be viewed seriously and same will be reflected in their Annual Performance Reports (APRs). He, at the same time maintained that the good work of the officers will be duly acknowledged and Government will reward them suitably.
Similarly, the reports of timber smugglings pouring in from different quarters have also been viewed seriously by the Government and the authorities have been directed to maintain a close vigil on the activities of the timber smugglers to check the theft of green gold, the Minister asserted.
Maintaining that the PDP-BJP regime is committed to provide transparent and accountable governance, the Minister said that the people have voted the new dispensation for a change and it will make utmost effort to fulfil their expectations. He said the Government has formulated a well-knit strategy to strengthen the existing facilities with special focus on improving the road connectivity, electricity, education, health services and drinking water.
Responding to the demands of people regarding establishment of a Degree College and a hospital in the area, the Minister said that Government will explore the possibility for the same as the demands are very genuine, adding that education and health are the priority sectors of the Government and he will make his best efforts to provide these facilities on priority.
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