GANGTOK, July 6:

Acting upon the decision taken by Sikkim CM Pawan Chamling concerning Forest, Environment and Wild Life Management Department during the west and south district visit of his village to village tour, 90% of the work has started.

While Speaking to Sikkim Mail Principal Chief Conservator of Forest cum Secretary (FE & WLMD) ST Lachungpa informed that there were numerous decision taken by the CM relating to their department and till date 90% of the works has been already initiated. The settlement of forest villages known as ‘Tanugyadar’s’ like Rayong the settlement papers from the department is under consideration. It may be time consuming as the ways for settlement are being framed and within a very short period the settlement will be met.

With regards to allotment of forest land to the people residing in Naya Bazaar area Secretary Mr. Lachungpa said that a discussion was carried out with the Secretary Urban Development and Housing Department. The plan is to remodel or modernise Naya Bazar area after which the people residing in the area will also be given houses. The allotment of forest site to the people is no more required. Temporary allotment of site below Naya bazaar petrol pump for shifting the local resident currently residing in Naya Bazar area will have to be done till the modernization process is completed.

As per the Forest Conservation Act (FCA) 1980 no forest land can be allotted to the people for constructing concrete houses or reside.

With regards to the construction of play ground for Naya Bazar School in forest land secretary Mr. Lachungpa said that the department has already directed the Human Resource Development Department to submit a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the construction of play ground. He added that, the forest land will be allotted only after fulfilling the terms and condition set by FCA 1980 .

About FCA clearance for carrying out numerous developmental projects by different departments the secretary said that the concerned department has to submit a DPR before execution of the work in the field. If practiced sincerely then no problem of clearance not being given persists with the department. The problem exists with the user department in respect to availing forest clearance as the user agency they do not submit DPR in time to avail forest clearance in time stated the Secretary.

Mr. Lachungpa said that the decision made during the CM’s village tour carried is extensively educative and for that all the people of state should be grateful. The most important thing that the tour has brought is the unity amongst all secretaries along with the Ministers and MLA’s creating a family like situation where interaction, discussion, plans, suggestions are taken considering the over all developmental activity in the state. The tour has made our work even easier as the decision is taken on the spot by the CM which we are able to implement in a short interval, said the secretary.

 

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