Pawan Kalyan Focuses on Forest Department Reforms, Tackles Key Issues
Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan has shifted his focus to the Forest Department after six months of working on grassroots-level governance in the Panchayati Raj and Rural Development departments. His primary goal is to address the long-standing challenges and systemic issues within the department by introducing reforms aimed at improving its functionality and contribution to state development.
Action Plan for Forest Land Protection
During his review of the Forest Department, Pawan Kalyan directed the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) and the Head of Forest Force (HOFF) to prepare a detailed report on the department’s persistent issues, identifying long-term solutions. He emphasized the importance of restoring the department’s prominence and ensuring the protection of forest lands. One of his primary concerns is the encroachment of valuable forest land in the Kadapa Forest Division, with a call for an immediate special drive to safeguard these areas.
Combatting Red Sandalwood Smuggling
Pawan Kalyan also focused on tackling red sandalwood smuggling, particularly in the Seshachalam forests. The Deputy Chief Minister has instructed officials to create a robust action plan that includes increased surveillance along state borders and tighter enforcement to curb the illegal transportation of red sandalwood. He pointed out that the auction of confiscated sandalwood by other states is causing significant revenue loss to Andhra Pradesh and emphasized the need for stricter control.
In addition to tackling illegal activities, Pawan Kalyan proposed strategies to boost the state’s revenue from rare, high-quality forest products. He suggested involving tribal communities in the marketing of these resources, with support from the corporate sector, aligning the initiatives with the broader goal of achieving 50% green cover in the state, as envisioned by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.
Wildlife Conservation and Sustainable Management
Another key focus of the Deputy Chief Minister’s agenda is wildlife conservation. He called for a complete ban on hunting, better surveillance, and greater awareness among tribal communities regarding the protection of wildlife. Pawan Kalyan also raised concerns over the issues surrounding wild elephant herds in border areas and instructed officials to expedite efforts to procure trained “kumki” elephants, with the support of the Karnataka government.
Sustainable Timber Production
With India’s annual timber import reaching ₹22,000 crores, Pawan Kalyan proposed a plan to reduce dependence on imports by focusing on sustainable timber production within the state. The objective is to meet domestic demand and work towards turning India into a timber-exporting nation by 2047. To this end, officials have been tasked with preparing an action plan for achieving this goal.
Pawan Kalyan’s reforms aim to modernize the Forest Department, enhance revenue generation, promote sustainable resource use, and strengthen conservation efforts, all while aligning with the state’s broader environmental objectives.
