Andhra Pradesh

Forest Department to reclaim encroached land

GUNTUR: Only 48 hectares out of 3,400 hectares of forest land encroached in Guntur, Prakasam and Nellore is in possession of tribals, Conservator of Forests, Guntur Circle, D. Nalini Mohan said on Monday.

Speaking to reporters here on Monday, he said that the department had initiated the process of reclaiming the land. Most of the land encroached is being used for cultivation and the department is ready to wage a long drawn legal battle, if necessary to reclaim the land, he said.

Explaining the various developmental initiatives taken up in 2007-2008, he said that they had taken up a massive plantation activity and raised plantations in 885.56 hectares with the help of Vana Samrakshana Samithies (VSS). Saplings pf Euclayptus, Kanuga, Casurina and Mangroves were raised in Nizampatnam, Vinukonda and Palnadu areas, he said.

The department was giving priority to the cultivation of Kanuga plants, which could produce Bio diesel as part of its social forestry programme.

The cultivation of Mangroves along the coast of Nizampatnam was a success as the department could achieve the target of planting saplings in 200 hectares, he said.

During 2007-2008, 23.94 lakh seedlings were raised for planting in 1,287 hectares in nursery centres, he said. As part of a World Bank aided programme, the department plans to take shelter bed plantation in 160 hectares in Nizampatnam.

Conservation of water too would be given a priority as the department was considering using saturation treatment and take up digging of contour trenches, percolation tanks and cement check dams to conserve water, he said.

The department has collected Rs.27 lakh out of the target of Rs.34 lakh as compound fees for various offences in the year 2007-2008, he said.

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