Telangana CM K Chandrashekar Rao assures strict action against timber smugglers

In order to preserve and protest the green treasure, Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar has directed forest officers to initiate stern action against the lawbreakers.

Addressing the high-level review meeting of police and forest officials at Pragathi Bhavan to discuss the issues related to forest protection and afforestation, Rao issued a stern warning saying that all the state government will take all necessary steps will be taken to curb the smuggling of timber/wood.

Rao asked district collector, superintendent of Police and District Forst Officers to prepare a joint action plan in a bid to trace the links of illegal activities across the state. The Chief Minister instructed forest officials to form joint flying squads comprising of armed police and police officials. He mentioned that existing forest act of Telangana should be relooked and reviewed in order to have a better legal framework against the forest encroachers and smugglers.

The Chief Minister informed that the state intelligence wing has been continuously keeping a close track on those who illegally fell the forests and smuggle timber/wood. Rao also expressed that strong check posts are required to restrict the forest smuggling and instructed concern official to look into the matter of wood smuggling. Rao informed that under the title of “Green Fund”, a dedicated fundraising campaign involving from MPs, MLAs, MLCs and other stakeholders to ensure the hassle-free implementation of the programme.

The Chief Minister clearly indicated that concern officials should not entertain any kind of political interference or pressure tactics. He went on saying that officers should not hesitate to initiate severe action against individuals having a direct-indirect association with the ruling party.

COURTESY :- NEWS BHARATI