Forest officials told to carry out frequent checks

Rajamahendravaram: Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) Santhi Priya Pandey advised the officials of forest department to give priority to protection of forests, which is their primary responsibility and the officials should play pivotal role in this regard.

Addressing the officials after taking charge here on Thursday, Santhi Priya Pandey said a plan would also be devised to protect forest area and directed the divisional forest officers (DFOs) to visit forest under their purview frequently and asked them to conduct surprise inspections in the ranges. 

The DFOs should coordinate with sub-divisional forest officers (SDFOs), range and beat officers daily for effective functioning of the department. She said negligence of field level staff would tarnish the image of the department and it is the duty of supervisory staff to check it thoroughly. Protection of plantations in the forest is also an important task, she added. 

The CCF said the target of tree plantation should be completed by the end of August. Any lapses in discharging duties will be viewed seriously, she warned while adding that the government was very much particular to protect forest area.

DFOs Anantha Shankar, Ramachandra, V Prabhakar Rao, Nandana Salaria, Srinivas, Rajasekhar Rao, Kondala Rao, MVP Rao, Srihari Gopal and Nageswara Rao were present among others.