Bhubaneswar: Reaffirming the state government’s commitment to the policy of zero-tolerance towards corruption, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Tuesday asked forest officers to refrain from indulging in corrupt practices.
Addressing the State-Level Forest Officers’ Conference, the Chief Minister also urged officials to adopt a sensitive approach while interacting with tribal and poor communities during forest protection duties.
Calling for harmony between tribal communities and forest conservation, he said one-fourth of Odisha’s population belongs to tribal groups residing in forested regions. Therefore, He urged forest officials to adopt a compassionate approach while implementing forest protection laws, especially among the poor, tribal, and marginalised groups.
To mitigate human-elephant conflict, Majhi suggested cultivating paddy on vacant forest lands to provide food for elephants.
The CM also stressed the need of planting fruit and flower-bearing trees in populated areas to ensure community participation in afforestation. Officials were encouraged to focus on shade-giving and utility trees that benefit locals and invite stewardship.
The Chief Minister also commended the Forest Department’s efforts in curbing forest fires and wildlife hunting, but stressed the need to achieve 100% success using public awareness campaigns and innovative technology.
Voluntary organisations and citizen safety platforms were urged to collaborate in forest protection efforts.
Referring to the state’s vision for a prosperous and green Odisha by 2036, Majhi emphasised skill training and research for departmental staff and called for a dedication to public service.
Forest, Environment & Climate Change Minister, Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia, highlighted the department’s vital role in maintaining ecological balance. Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja emphasised biodiversity preservation and improving livelihoods in forest communities.
A tripartite MoU was signed between Odisha State Seed Corporation, Regional Plant Research Centre, and Horticulture Department to supply high-quality fruit saplings to farmers at subsidised rates.
