Bhubaneswar: In a bid to ensure effective protection of forest resources and prevention of illegal activities, the Odisha government has made it mandatory for field-level forest staff to actively engage in regular foot patrolling.
An order issued by Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Suresh Panth stated that physical presence in vulnerable areas serves not only as a deterrent to offenders but also as a means to build rapport with local communities, gather intelligence and monitor forest health.
The order has also prescribed minimum monthly foot patrolling targets for different categories of staff and squads with immediate effect. While the monthly foot patrolling target is 100 km for protection squads, it is 75 km for forest guards and foresters, 50 km for forest range officers, 25 km for assistant conservator of forests (ACF), 15 km for divisional forest officers (DFO) and 10 km for RCCF.
As per the instructions:
1.All foot patrols must be recorded in the OFMS and approved by the supervising officer.
2.Patrol routes should cover vulnerable beats, sensitive compartments, and forest fringe areas probe to illicit activities.
3.Joint and surprise patrols should be undertaken wherever necessary to address high-risk zones.
4.Monthly patrolling performance shall be reviewed at the Range, Division and Circle levels.
5.Any proxy patrolling by squads for any forest officers will be viewed seriously.
Non-compliance with the prescribed targets without valid justification will be viewed seriously.