Public awareness campaign to reduce forest and wildlife crimes

Raipur. The Forest Department is continuously working to conserve forests and protect wildlife in the state. Despite this, incidents of forest and wildlife crimes, forest fires, and forest encroachment still occur. To effectively control these crimes and ensure the protection of forests and wildlife, Forest Minister Shri Kedar Kashyap is holding regular meetings with Forest Department officials and issuing necessary instructions.

Public Awareness Campaign to Reduce Forest and Wildlife Crimes

Under the leadership of Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap and the direction of Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Arun Kumar Pandey, meetings of approximately 300 Forest Management Committees (Joint Forest Management Committees) were held on January 2nd in the Surguja Forest Division. The primary objective of these meetings was to increase awareness about forest conservation and ensure active participation of local communities. The meetings discussed in detail issues such as reducing forest and wildlife crimes, preventing forest fires, controlling forest encroachment, and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities at the local level.

Over 7,000 Forest Management Committees are in Operation

In a similar vein, a meeting was held with the Konkona, Barpali, and Madai Forest Management Committees under the Katghora Forest Division. Committee chairpersons, members, village sarpanches, and villagers were present. All pledged to cooperate in preventing illegal logging, illegal mining, encroachment, and poaching in forests, as well as in protecting against forest fires. Committee members were made aware of their roles and responsibilities in protecting, conserving, and enhancing forests. It is noteworthy that over 7,000 Forest Management Committees are in operation in the state, strengthening participatory forest management. These committees coordinate between the Forest Department and local communities and play a crucial role in conserving forests, sustainably using resources, and strengthening rural livelihoods. This is making the forest management system more effective, transparent, and sustainable.