BHUBANESWAR: With the government launching a massive crackdown on corruption in the recent days, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Tuesday warned forest officers to steer clear from dishonest means and commit themselves to integrity and dedication in public service.
In a stern message to the officials at the state-level conference of divisional forest officers (DFOs) in Lok Seva Convention Centre here, Majhi said, “Change your attitude and stay away from corruption, else the new system will strike hard. In my government, there is zero tolerance to corruption.”
The CM’s warning came in the backdrop of a series of Vigilance raids on government officials including two senior forest officers which unearthed startling wealth accumulated by them. A DFO posted in Keonjhar Kendu Leaf division, Nityananda Nayak, was even found to possess a whopping 115 land plots, the highest ever landholding of a government officer detected by the anti-corruption agency in the state.
Addressing the DFOs, Majhi said a few dishonest officers have brought the entire forest department into disrepute and urged them work with honesty and integrity.
He also emphasised the importance of creating a harmonious coexistence ensuring the security of the tribal communities who reside in and around the forest areas. One-fourth of the state’s population belongs to tribal communities and most of them largely depend on forest for their livelihood.
“Since forest officials primarily interact with the poor, tribal and marginalised communities in their line of duty, they should be sensitive and empathetic towards them while enforcing forest protection laws. The field staff of the department must ensure that these poor tribals are not harassed for small violation of forest rules and regulations,” he instructed.
Majhi advised the forest department to look for innovative mechanisms to reduce elephant transgression into human habitations and destruction of crops.
“Paddy cultivation in open lands within the forests could provide fodder for elephants and prevent them from raiding farms,” he suggested.
The chief minister further emphasised the importance of tree plantation for environment protection along with proper management and expansion of green cover. He called for dedicated efforts to achieve the goal of creating a ‘Green Odisha’, which is part of the larger vision for a prosperous Odisha by 2036.
Highlighting the role of forest officials role in wildlife protection and conservation, Majhi commended them for their efforts in curbing wildlife poaching and forest fires. “However, this is not enough. The need of the hour is to achieve 100 per cent success in these efforts with use of new technologies and creating widespread public awareness,” he emphasised.
Forest and Environment minister Ganesh Ram Singhkhuntia, chief secretary Manoj Ahuja, additional chief secretary Satyabrat Sahu, principal chief conservator of forests Suresh Pant and other senior officers spoke.
