Chief secretarySuresh Chandra Mohapatradirected secretaries of various departments to make use of the latest provisions of forest laws for expeditious implementation of the critical and development projects.
The chief secretary also directed the forest and Environment department to circulate a simplified guideline with frequently asked questions (FAQs) and answers among the district and field level officers of both the forest and user departments for expediting approvals. The department was also asked to organize regular orientation programme of the forest and revenue officers and update them about latest position of the law regarding development of the critical socio-economic infrastructure.
Around 13 types of essential projects could be approved under the latestForest Rights Act. These include construction of schools, dispensary, fair price shops, electric and Telecommunication lines, tanks, drinking water projects, minor Irrigation projects, canal, water harvesting structures, clean energy, skill training centre, roads, and community centres.Permission of the use of forest land to the extent of one hectarw could be given by the DFOs.