Ramban, Nov 09: Asserting that the government would not allow any further encroachment of forest land, Forest Minister Altaf Kaloo on Monday assured the forest dwellers that no existing house would be demolished in any area.
Talking to reporters here, Kaloo said the Forest Department is committed to ensuring that no one’s house would be demolished and that fresh encroachments would not be permitted. “This is a commitment from my department,” he said.
On the implementation of the Forest Rights Act (FRA), the Minister said the matter was being discussed with the department and that the file had already been taken up. “We are discussing the Forest Rights Act. I have already spoken to my department. We will get it done. We have kept the file of the Forest Rights Act ready,” he said.
He said he had taken up issues concerning the Forest Department, including pending annuities and the process of obtaining necessary clearances for road-related works.
Regarding the road development review, Kaloo said he had not yet reviewed the department’s progress as he had assumed charge only a few days ago.
He said he would review the functioning of various departments and categories, including GRS, CIC operators, TATA operators, AEMs, assistant panchayat officers and DBCs, after completing the initial review. “There are a lot of issues, no doubt about it. But let me review the department. After that, I will get back to you on this question,” he said—(KNO)
