Forest Minister K. Raju has said that the government roots for people’s participation in protecting forests and wildlife.
“Forest officials require to interact with Adivasis and others residing close to forest areas for functioning efficiently. People’s involvement is essential in reducing human-animal conflict, getting compensation and implementing environment protection measures.”
He was inaugurating the new building for the Ambanar model forest station in the Pathanapuram range under the Punalur division here on Thursday.
Tribal welfare
The Minister pointed out that the department had been implementing many schemes to upgrade the living standards of tribals and those living around forests.
“Steps will be taken to set up more forest stations and renovate the existing ones. A total of ₹13.8 has been set aside for the Alimukku-Achencoil road. The new forest station at Kumbhavurutty will be inaugurated soon,” he said.
The Minister applauded the forest protection committees for taking wildfire-prevention measures with people’s participation.
K.B. Ganesh Kumar, MLA, presided over the function. Kodikunnil Suresh, MP, delivered the keynote address.
Kottayam forest conservator I. Siddique, Punalur Divisional Forest Officer Dony G. Varghes, Chief Conservator of Forests (South) K. Vijyanandan, and Pathanapuram range forest officer S. Prasannakumar were present.