Telangana Forest and Environment Minister Konda Surekha has advised that tribals should not be put in trouble in the name of forest laws. Surekha said that senior officials of the Forest Department should cooperate for the development of tribals.
Ministers Konda Surekha and Seethakka participated in a high-level review meeting held at the Secretariat on Saturday on issues such as Panchayat Raj, R&B, infrastructure development of the joint Adilabad district. Speaking at the meeting, Konda Surekha said that senior officials of the Forest Department and DFOs should cooperate for the development of forest areas. She said that both forest conservation and development of tribals are inevitable and ordered the officials to follow the rules and ensure that the people of the forest areas are not inconvenienced. Also she suggested that steps be taken to establish minimum facilities such as roads, hospitals, schools, drinking water and power lines.
The ministers said that it is not right for the authorities to keep road construction proposals pending. They expressed their concern that the forest officials are deliberately keeping files pending without considering the field conditions. Also they expressed concern that this is hampering development in rural areas. They wanted the authorities to keep in mind the creation of basic infrastructure for the people along with forest conservation. The minister reminded that the forest laws state that permissions should be given for the construction of roads.
She questioned why the forest officials are raising objections even though the forest laws make it clear that if there are roads in villages built before 1980, if they are damaged, they can be repaired and new roads can be built where necessary. They wanted detailed answers to the issues raised by the MLAs. They suggested that if the forest department regulations are a hindrance, permissions should be obtained from the Chennai Green Tribunal.
She said that it is not right that people are being inconvenienced by setting up check posts in villages that should be on the borders of forests. Minister Konda Surekha said that the Forest Act makes it clear that tribals who depend on forests can collect forest products. However, she expressed her anger at the forest officials for causing trouble to tribals and tribals who went to collect tunica, ipapa flowers and fruits. She said that it is the right of tribals to collect forest products. Surekha suggested that those who come to the forest for them should not be bothered. Minister said that officials should act in accordance with the rules and that development programs should continue along with the protection of forest land. Minister Konda Surekha ordered all department officials to act in a way that coordinates both of these.
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