CM orders digital mapping of all Jharkhand forests in one month, pushes eco-tourism and rural livelihoods

Ranchi, July 20: Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Monday directed the Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department to prepare digital and technical records of all forest areas in Jharkhand within one month, while calling for a comprehensive technology-driven approach to forest conservation, biodiversity management and sustainable rural development.

Chairing a high-level review meeting of the department, Soren instructed officials to develop a one-click digital system that would provide updated information on the status, structure and condition of forests across the state. He also ordered the preparation of layered digital forest maps documenting all changes in forest areas since Jharkhand’s formation in 2000.

“Forest areas have undergone significant changes over the years due to expansion of forests, development of eco-tourism projects and guest houses, mining activities, deforestation and changes in the boundaries of wildlife sanctuaries and national parks. Thus, an updated scientific digital database of forests is the need of the hour,” the Chief Minister said.

Reiterating that forest conservation remains a key priority of the government, Soren directed officials to intensify plantation drives and prepare a scientific plan for removing dry and unusable trees to facilitate fresh plantations. He also asked the department to prepare an action plan for aerial seed dispersal using helicopters to increase forest cover.

“Forest protection remains a top priority of the government,” he said.

Emphasising utility-based plantations suited to local ecological conditions, Soren instructed officials to prioritise species such as mahua, jamun, karanj, palash, kusum, arjun, jackfruit and amla, saying these would strengthen biodiversity, support the lac and tasar industries, and improve the livelihoods of forest-dependent communities.

“Prioritise plantation of mahua, jamun, karanj, palash, kusum and other species that would boost biodiversity, support the lac and tasar industries and generate income for forest-dwellers,” he said.

The Chief Minister also directed the department to expedite the disposal of pending forest rights lease cases and ensure timely distribution of leases to eligible beneficiaries.

“Pending forest lease cases should be resolved at the earliest and eligible beneficiaries should receive forest rights without unnecessary delay,” he said.

To generate employment in rural areas, Soren instructed officials to identify suitable land for commercial cashew and bamboo plantations and promote bamboo-based industries and handicrafts.

“Identify large tracts of land for commercial cashew and bamboo cultivation and promote bamboo-based industries and handicrafts to create employment and income opportunities in rural areas,” he said.

The Forest and Tourism Departments were also directed to jointly prepare a time-bound action plan to expand eco-tourism projects across the state.

In addition, the Chief Minister ordered speedy compensation for victims of elephant and wildlife attacks, including compensation for crop losses, damage to houses and other properties, and deaths or injuries caused by wild animals.

“Ensure speedy compensation to people affected by elephant and wildlife attacks, including for crop and property damage,” he said.

The meeting also reviewed measures to strengthen urban green cover through large-scale plantation drives and promote the state’s “Plant One Tree, Get Five Units of Free Electricity” scheme as part of its environmental conservation initiatives.