Erase negative image of Assam forest dept: CM to officials

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal today said honesty and dedication of officials can change the negative image of the state's Forest Department, thus transforming it into one of the highest revenue generating departments.
Taking part in the Conference of the Forest Officers here, the Chief Minister said, "I have full belief on the capability of forest officials to deliver good performance and those who engaged themselves in nefarious activities in the past must abstain from such practices and contribute meaningfully to the state's growth".
"Good governance must be ensured at every government office so that public can get desired service smoothly in a time bound manner," he said.

"Forest resources abounding in the state must be used judiciously to maximise revenue earning for the government," Sonowal said.
Stressing on the need to do away with corruption, the BJP leader said honest officials and employees of the forest department can inspire the youth, who live on the periphery of forest areas, to work for society with dedication so that the menace like rhino poaching can be stopped.
He also distributed cheques of Rs 3 lakh each to 19 affected families who had lost their family members during elephant attacks in three districts of Goalpara, Nagaon and Golaghat.

Talking about setting up of Patanjali manufacturing plant at Balipara in the state, Sonowal said huge quantities of herbal raw material would be required by the unit, and the forest department must play a proactive role in inspiring people living near forest areas to increasingly cultivate medicinal plants.

Sonowal also urged the forest department officials to utilise state forest resources like sand and other 'minor minerals' to maximise revenue generation for the state government so that a Rs 1,000 crore target set for the department can be realised in the next financial year.
He also announced that the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) earning highest revenue would be given Chief Minister's Award at the state level.
Forest Minister Pramila Rani Brahma, Principal Secretary of Forest Department Pawan Barthakur, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest Bikash Brahma were also present in the meeting.