The Ministry of Environment Climate Change and Forestry is deploying technology to enhance forest surveillance, hasten delineation of boundaries and also expand fencing programme to cover all gazetted public forests.
In a statement, Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Environment Soipan Tuya also directed Chief Conservator of Forests to ensure established rules and regulations on grazing and grass harvesting in public forests are implemented to the letter.
Additionally, the CS noted that the Environment Ministry shall only engage with forest adjacent communities that are members of duly registered Community Forest Associations (CFAs) through negotiated Participatory Forest Management Plans (PFMPs) and Forest Management Agreements (FMAs) as stipulated in law.
While decrying the rising cases of illegal grazing across the country, she said the recent recruitment and deployment of 2,700 forest rangers, 100 cadets, 468 foresters has led to a significant decline in forest related crimes.
“As Government, we are focused on safeguarding the integrity of our public forests as we work towards enhancing our tree cover. The recent recruitment and deployment of 2,700 forest rangers, 100 cadets and 468 foresters has led to a significant decline in forest related crimes.” Said CS Tuya.
