Rhino protection: Assam govt to appoint 104 forest constables

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Saturday directed Principal Chief Conservator of Forests to declare the results for the posts of forest July 4 and ensure appointment of 104 personnel for the posts.

Chairing a meeting to finalise ‘100 days programme’ for the department of Forests, the Assam CM taking stern stance on the delay of results, instructed Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Darash Mathur to declare the results and facilitate the appointment of the forest constables.

To extend a touch of relief, Sonowal also asked the department to provide a compensation and one time ex-gratia in line with standard procedure to 14279 families suffered from man-animal conflict. Sonowal maintained that compensation should be disbursed within 100 days.

Sonowal also asked PCCF to take steps for undertaking a feasibility study to keep Kaziranga National Park open for visitors throughout the year and submit a report.

Besides, a report on the requirement of forest resources for all districts was also asked to be prepared within 15 days.

For skill development, 1500 youths of fringe villages of reserved forest areas to be trained as priority basis which will also be part of the 100 days programme of the department.

The training will exclusively confine to protection of wildlife and its habitat.

On the other hand, 1.25 crore saplings to be planted in 6800 hectare of land along with bringing out coppice forest management plan for sal trees in Kamrup, Goalpara and Kokrajhar.

Moreover, actions will be taken against all illegal saw mills.

Forest Department has already shut down 63 illegal saw mills since the new dispensation took over the reign of power in the State.

Moreover, for the protection of forests, the Department has undertaken a massive exercise of erecting fences along the boundary of the reserved forests.

(Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath)