TS Govt constitutes Haritha Rakshna Committees

Hyderabad, June 24 (INN): In a first of its kind move, the Telangana Government on Wednesday constituted Haritha Rakshna Committee to protect plantations in forest areas.

The State Government has launched the flagship programme 'Telangana Ku Haritha Haram' with the primary objective of increasing the green cover in the State to 33% as envisaged in the National Forest Policy, 1988. This programme envisages massive planting operations outside forest area as well as treatment of forest areas with viable root stock through assisted natural regeneration and gap planting. However, the protection of plantations in forest area has always been an issue of concern. During the review meeting of Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao, held on June 20, it was decided to actively involve representatives of local institutions and people to ensure their active participation in the programme for the success of Haritha Haaram.

Accordingly, the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests has submitted a proposal for constitution of Haritha Rakshna Committee. Accepting the proposal, the State Government on Wednesday issued orders for constitution of the committee which will be headed by Sarpanch as its chairperson. While Mandal Parishad Territorial Constituency Member (MPTC) will be the Vice Chairperson, Panchayat Secretary will be the Member Convener. The other members of the Committee are Self Help Group-Gram Samakya Leader; A.N.M; Angaanwadi Worker; Village Revenue Officer; Head Master, Zilla Parishad Primary School/High School; President, Village Youth Club; Village Extension Officer; Field Assistant, MGNREGS; NGO (if available) and Concerned Forest Beat Officer.

The above committee will ensure successful implementation of "Telangana Ku Haritha Haaram" programme. It will prepare an action plan for afforestation in the village in the non-forest area; Ensure protection of the plantations in the non-forest area; Motivate villagers/farmers to plant trees on the boundary-mounds of their fields and private wastelands to meet the requirement of wood from outside the forests as far as possible; Motivate villagers to plant fruit-bearing trees around their houses and assist the Forest Guard in ensuring protection of the forest area within the village boundary.

The Committee will also encourage the use of alternative sources of energy such as bio-gas and improved stoves to reduce the demand of fuelwood and to reduce the drudgeries of the women; encourage the stall feeding in the villages to prevent the damage to existing forests due to excessive grazing and ensure conservation of Natural resources within their Gram Panchayat.