Chief Parliamentary Secretary (Forest), Sunder Singh Thakur, held a video conferencing meeting with officials of the Forest Department to discuss salvage lot marking in the forests. The state government aims to mark dried trees in a timely manner to utilize forest wealth for revenue generation. Due to delayed marking, many dried and fallen trees remain in the forests, resulting in the loss of forest wealth and financial implications for the government. Changes in the marking process were decided upon to address this issue.
Thakur instructed Forest Department officials to prepare a list of dried and fallen trees within the specified timeframe. All officers, from Forest Guards to Divisional Officers, were directed to contribute to the daily preparation of this list to expedite the marking process. A standard operating procedure (SoP) is to be prepared by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests to formalize this process as a policy.
By 31st May, the department officials will compile the list of dry and fallen trees, submitting it to the government by 15th June 2023. Through salvage marking, the Forest Department will be able to identify and sell approximately 50 marked trees through the tender process. This approach not only prevents the loss of forest wealth but also generates employment opportunities for local youth. Additionally, the local youth will receive training from the Skill Development Corporation to enhance their efficiency. Present at the meeting were Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (HOFF) Rajeev Kumar and other senior Forest Department officers.
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