Hyderabad: The District Forest Officers have been directed to meet the district SPs to discuss the help needed from the police department for forest protection.
The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) Mr P.K. Jha has ordered the officers to meet with the police officers.
The forest department is keen on curbing smuggling in Telangana forests, as per the directions of Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao. Mr Rao had earlier directed the forest department officials to take the help of the police and impose PD Act on the smugglers to protect the forests.
However, the forest officials are also preparing a strategy to control smuggling.
The forest department has also identified few repeat offenders and is exercising issues that can be solved with the help of police department. The officials have decided to ensure proper legal action against offenders to instil fear amongst them.
Apart from curbing smuggling, the officials are also planning to take up several awareness programs on the forest laws.
Officials feel that people living in the forest fringes will not help others smugglers if there is awareness.
