KCR bats for protecting state's forests from encroachment; says Podu lands issue will be settled by Oct

During a high-level review meeting at Pragathi Bhavan here, KCR made it clear that once the Podu land issue is settled, the officials should take all protective measures to ensure that the forest lands are not encroached upon. There should be an end to land grabbing in the forest areas he said adding that the state government will not hesitate to take stringent measures to protect the forests in the state.

KCR said if need be, an all-party meeting would be convened to find a solution to the Podu lands issue. He said he was willing to demonstrate and show evidence to the leaders on how forest land is being encroached upon. He instructed the officials to prepare guidelines to appoint forest protection committees in the state.

The CM said Podu cultivation which is taking place in the middle of the forest will be shifted to the edge of the forest areas and land would be allotted. Those who are shifted will be given certificates, power supply, water, and Rythu Bandhu would be extended to them. "Protection of forests is very important for the existence of mankind. If we neglect it, the future generations will not have even a single tree," he said.

He instructed chief secretary Somesh Kumar to start taking applications on Podu lands from October third week. Based on the information given in the applications, a field-level survey should be conducted and facts about the land details ascertained, KCR said adding that meetings should be held with all district collectors and required orders should be issued.

Further. KCR added that the forest department officials should concentrate on protecting the forests and said efficient officials should be appointed. "It is the responsibility of the forest officials to prevent any illegal intrusions in the forest areas," the CM added. He asked the forest department officials to work with the tribal welfare department to protect forest lands. He further said that the forest land survey should begin from November.

KCR asked officials to fix forestland boundaries with coordinates. He instructed the officials to set up fences or dig trenches to protect the forests. The government will release the required funds for the measures, he said and added that if required, police protection would also be provided.