Assam to use drones to monitor forest cover, curb encroachment
In a review meeting held with senior officers of the department on Tuesday, Sarma asked the officials to conduct regular monitoring of forests by drones and procure the required number of drones to intensify monitoring.
GUWAHATI:
Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has directed the forest department to take strict measures to realise royalty from the forest resources extracted within the state and undertake extensive monitoring by drones to identify illegal extraction of forest resources and encroachment of forest land.
In a review meeting held with senior officers of the department on Tuesday, Sarma asked the officials to conduct regular monitoring of forests by drones and procure the required number of drones to intensify monitoring.
The chief minister further stressed on immediate steps for reforms in the department to make it more agile and effective in implementing initiatives for preservation of forests and wildlife protection.
Underlining the importance of regular transfer and posting of officers, Sarma directed the department to immediately form a committee to undertake reshuffle of the forest officers starting from ranger to the divisional forest officer.
Besides, to augment revenue generation, he asked the department to provide hassle-free passage to vehicles carrying forest items from other states which are transported following due official procedures.
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