Study on rural cattle forests on the anvil: Min Konda Surekha

Minister of Forest, Environment and Revenue Konda Surekha stated that a study should be done on the establishment of ‘Rural Cattle Forests’ on the outskirts of the forest so that domestic cattle do not stray into the forest, during a State-level meeting at Aranya Bhavan, the head office of the Forest Department on Monday.
Minister Surekha said that the government is friendly with the employees and officers and the staff can express their problems freely. The protection of forests is the most important duty of all and everyone should effectively fulfill these most challenging responsibilities in the coming days. The recent death of tigers in Kagaznagar had shocked her, she said and warned that such incidents should not happen in future.
She said that the meetings of the district-level forest protection committees should be held regularly under the direction of the collector on the protection of forests. Although the former government had said that they had planted saplings on a large scale, the expected results did not come. Telangana cultivators should collect seeds of local species of trees and grow better plants in nurseries. Due to the cultivation of chinta, guava, neredu, plum, cantaloupe and sweet potato, the forest animals will not come out.
She directed the authorities concerned to pay special attention to the increase of greenery and beautification of parks in the three cities of Warangal, Hanmakonda and Kazipet. She said, “We will give priority to the welfare of the tribals and at the same time strict action will be taken if forests are encroached.”
The Minister said that the issue of setting up new forest stations and arms for the staff is under the purview of the government and a decision will be taken after discussion. Steps should be taken to resolve court disputes related to forests quickly. Immediate steps will be taken to fill the vacant posts in the forest department.  Moreover, employment opportunities should be provided to local tribes and Chenchus in the ecotourism.