Jharsuguda: A district-level meeting was held regarding forest management and mitigation measures, chaired by Jharsuguda Forest Range Officer Manu Ashok Bhatt. The meeting was attended by key officials including Chief Development Officer of the District Council Praveer Kumar Nayak, Additional District Collector (Revenue) Kishore Chandra Swain, Kendulip Forest Division Officer Salbindar Singh, , Panchayat Samiti Development Officer Purnachandra Bhui, Assistant District Collector Umakant Pradhan and District Wildlife Conservation Officer Prahlad Nayak, among others. Representatives from various departments, industries, and voluntary organizations also participated.
The discussions focused on the need for extensive awareness regarding forest conservation and management, along with necessary steps to address these issues. The officials also deliberated on how local communities, including villagers, Panchayat members, and youth, can actively participate in forest protection. Plans were made to install awareness boards and encourage residents to protect forest resources and wildlife.
Additionally, there were talks about providing assistance to the Forest Security Committees, supplying necessary tools like tree-lopping machines, and extending support from industrial organizations for forest-related activities. In another meeting, discussions were held on the revitalization of degraded forests under the Odisha Forest Development Project, with a focus on improving the livelihoods of people in forested areas.
Collaboration with the Railways and the Electricity Department was also discussed, particularly in ensuring safety measures for elephants and protecting local wildlife, as part of efforts to preserve both human and animal life.
