Pawan Kalyan Focuses on Comprehensive Reforms in Forest Department
Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, who has been concentrating on the Panchayati Raj and Rural Development departments over the past six months with grassroots-level governance and reforms, has now shifted his attention to the Forest Department. He aims to address the challenges and systemic issues facing the department by implementing significant changes. Pawan Kalyan directed the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) and the Head of Forest Force (HOFF) to prepare a detailed report on long-standing issues and solutions in the department.
Pawan Kalyan noted that while capable leadership exists within the Forest Department, its progress has been inadequate. He emphasized the need for structural changes to restore the department’s prominence in state development. Stressing the importance of protecting forest lands, he instructed officials to launch a special drive to safeguard valuable lands, particularly in the Kadapa Forest Division, where there have been reports of encroachments.
Action Plan to Curb Red Sandalwood Smuggling
A robust action plan is being developed to tackle red sandalwood smuggling from Seshachalam forests. Pawan Kalyan underscored the importance of monitoring the illegal transportation of red sandalwood through state borders. Highlighting the loss of state revenue due to auctions of confiscated sandalwood by other states, he instructed officials to tighten surveillance along borders and increase enforcement.
Additionally, he proposed a comprehensive strategy to boost revenue from rare, high-quality forest products found in the state. The Deputy Chief Minister suggested involving tribal communities in marketing these resources, with support from the corporate sector. He further aligned these initiatives with Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s vision of achieving 50% green cover in the state.
Wildlife Conservation and Sustainable Forest Management
Pawan Kalyan emphasized the importance of wildlife conservation by banning hunting, enhancing surveillance, and raising awareness among tribal communities about protecting forest fauna. He also reviewed issues related to wild elephant herds in border areas and instructed officials to expedite the procurement of trained "kumki" elephants in collaboration with the Karnataka government.
Recognizing India’s annual import of timber worth ₹22,000 crores, he called for a comprehensive plan to meet domestic demand through sustainable timber production within the state. He expressed confidence that increased timber production could reduce imports and help India transition to becoming a timber-exporting nation by 2047. Officials were tasked with preparing a detailed action plan to achieve this ambitious goal.
