Bhubaneswar: Odisha has added 885 sq km forest cover in the last two years and ranks fourth in the country in area under forest cover, informed Forest and Environment Minister Bikram Keshari Arukha.
Speaking at the 16th passing out ceremony of Forest Range Officers at the Forest Rangers Training College in Angul the Minister said that it was possible due to effective forest management and extensive plantation drive of the State government.
The Minister further stated that the State has received maximum Rs 5933.98 crore towards its share in CAMPA (Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority) fund from the Central government.
Arukha exhorted the officers to imbibe the 5T mantra of the Chief Minister in administrative practice and their efficiency and dedication to raise the image of the Forest and Environment department to a higher level.
It is worthwhile to mention here that these Forest Range Officers have been recruited after a gap of long 22 years, the last being in 1997.
A total number of 96 Forest Range Officers have completed their training in the year 2018-19. Out of these officers 35 are women, said an official.
During their 18 month training period, these officers have visited several forested areas and sanctuaries both inside and outside the State to gather experience. During the course of their training, the officers have studied in detail on management of forest and wildlife. These officers will have to join at their respective places of posting by October 1. Information on their places of posting will be uploaded at Forest and Environment department’s website, the official added.
