Bhubaneswar, 5 August (H.S.): At the State-Level Forest Officers’ Conference at Lok Seva Bhawan, Bhubaneswar, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi outlined a vision for sustainable forestry and environmental governance. He emphasized the need for planting fruit-bearing and flowering trees in populated areas to benefit communities, fostering public ownership and engagement in afforestation. Noting that a substantial portion of Odisha's population is tribal, he urged forest officials to engage these communities sensitively when enforcing regulations, promoting peaceful coexistence as a moral responsibility.
To reduce human-elephant conflicts, he proposed cultivating paddy in forest gaps to provide elephants with food and mitigate their movement into human areas. While praising the Forest Department's anti-poaching and fire prevention efforts, he urged them to achieve full success, advocating for the use of modern technology and public awareness initiatives for better wildlife protection. CM Majhi commended community contributions, citing Pramila Pradhan’s work in conservation.
The Chief Minister reaffirmed a strict anti-corruption policy, warning officials to maintain honesty and transparency. Minister for Forest, Environment and Climate Change, Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia, described the department as crucial to ecological balance and praised its staff's dedication. Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja highlighted the need for awareness about conservation among forest-adjacent communities and sustainable livelihood improvements.
A tripartite MoU was signed to supply affordable high-quality fruit saplings to farmers. A documentary showcasing the Forest Department's achievements was presented, attended by key dignitaries including Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Prem Kumar Jha and other senior officials. Additional Chief Secretary Satyabrata Sahu welcomed attendees, with PCCF Suresh Pant giving the vote of thanks.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda
