Ranchi: Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Monday conducted a departmental review meeting of the Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department at the Jharkhand Secretariat in Ranchi. During the meeting, the Chief Minister issued several key directions for scientific forest management, biodiversity conservation, eco-tourism promotion, plantation drives, and improving livelihood opportunities for forest-dependent communities.
The meeting focused on strengthening forest resources, ensuring sustainable development, and using modern technology for effective monitoring and management of forests across the state.
CM Hemant Soren Orders Digital Record of All Forest Areas Within One Month
During the review meeting, Hemant Soren directed officials to prepare a complete technical and digital record of all forest areas in Jharkhand since the formation of the state.
He instructed the Forest Department to complete the preparation of the digital database within one month. The Chief Minister said that a system should be developed where officials can access complete information about any forest area with just one click.
The digital record will include details about:
- Actual forest status
- Forest structure and boundaries
- Current condition of forest areas
- Digital mapping layers for better monitoring
He also directed officials to ensure proper layering of forest maps to improve planning and conservation activities.
Read also: Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren to Inaugurate Jharkhand’s First Film and Television Institute on July 22
Changing Forest Landscape Requires Scientific Digital Documentation
CM Hemant Soren highlighted that Jharkhand’s forest areas have undergone major changes after the creation of the state.
He said that while some regions have witnessed forest expansion, several other developments have also taken place, including:
- Development of eco-tourism projects
- Construction of forest guest houses
- Expansion of mining areas
- Forest degradation in some regions
- Changes in boundaries of wildlife sanctuaries and national parks
The Chief Minister said that updated scientific documentation of forests is essential for understanding these changes and planning future conservation strategies.
He emphasized that protection and sustainable development of forests remain among the highest priorities of the Jharkhand government.
Large-Scale Plantation Drive and Scientific Tree Management Planned
The Chief Minister directed officials to launch large-scale plantation campaigns across Jharkhand and prepare a scientific plan for removing dry and unusable trees.
He said that replacing non-useful trees with productive and environment-friendly species will help increase green cover and improve ecological balance.
Hemant Soren stressed that plantation should not only focus on increasing the number of trees but should also consider their usefulness for:
- Environmental protection
- Local ecosystems
- Rural livelihoods
- Animal needs
- Economic development
He said plantation strategies should be designed according to local requirements and long-term benefits.
Jharkhand Has Huge Potential for Eco-Tourism Development
During the meeting, CM Hemant Soren highlighted the immense potential of eco-tourism in Jharkhand.
He instructed the Forest Department and Tourism Department to work together and prepare a comprehensive plan to develop eco-tourism projects across the state.
The Chief Minister also directed officials to prepare a strategy for forest development through aerial seed sowing using helicopters.
He further instructed authorities to ensure quick compensation for families affected by wild elephant attacks, including:
- Compensation for deaths
- Compensation for damaged houses
- Compensation for crop losses
Plantation Should Support Rural Economy and Biodiversity
The Chief Minister directed officials to focus on planting useful and locally suitable tree species rather than only increasing plantation numbers.
He suggested large-scale plantation of trees such as:
- Mahua
- Jamun
- Karanj
- Palash
- Kusum
- Ber
- Arjun
He said these trees will help strengthen biodiversity while also improving the income opportunities of rural and forest communities.
Fruit-bearing trees like mahua, jamun, jackfruit, amla, chironji, and ber can provide nutrition and additional income to local residents.
At the same time, trees like palash, kusum, and arjun will support lac and tasar industries in Jharkhand.
CM Reviews “Plant a Tree, Get Five Units Free Electricity” Scheme
The Chief Minister emphasized connecting environmental conservation with urban development.
He directed officials to prepare a strong plan for increasing plantation activities in urban areas to improve greenery and reduce pollution.
During the meeting, discussions were also held on the state government’s “Plant a Tree, Get Five Units Free Electricity” scheme.
Under this initiative, citizens planting one tree will receive five units of free electricity.
The Chief Minister instructed officials to promote the scheme effectively so that more people participate in environmental conservation activities.
Pending Forest Rights Claims to Be Resolved Quickly
CM Hemant Soren directed officials to speed up the disposal of pending forest rights cases related to citizens.
He instructed that eligible beneficiaries should receive forest rights certificates without unnecessary delays.
The Chief Minister said that all forest development and environmental schemes must be implemented in a transparent, time-bound, and effective manner.
He also stressed the importance of:
- Regular monitoring of schemes
- Participation of local communities
- Ensuring benefits reach forest-dependent people
Focus on Cashew and Bamboo Cultivation for Employment Generation
The Chief Minister gave special emphasis to promoting commercial plantation activities, especially cashew and bamboo cultivation.
He directed officials to identify large areas suitable for plantation and develop opportunities for cashew production in Jharkhand.
He also highlighted the importance of bamboo cultivation and bamboo-based industries.
According to Hemant Soren, promoting bamboo industries and bamboo crafts can create large-scale self-employment opportunities and strengthen the rural economy.
Bamboo-based businesses can also provide new markets for traditional artisans and local communities.
Urban Plantation Campaign to Improve Green Cover
To improve environmental conditions in cities, the Chief Minister instructed officials to promote plantation of shade-giving trees, including acacia and other suitable species.
He said urban plantation campaigns should focus on:
- Increasing green cover
- Reducing pollution
- Improving air quality
- Providing a healthier environment for citizens
The Chief Minister said Jharkhand’s development model should balance environmental protection, rural prosperity, employment generation, and sustainable growth.
CM Holds Direct Online Interaction With Forest Division Officers
During the high-level review meeting, CM Hemant Soren also interacted online with Forest Division Officers from all districts of Jharkhand.
He reviewed the progress of various schemes and forest-related programmes.
The Chief Minister directly spoke with Forest Division Officers from:
- Dumka
- Jamtara
- Koderma
He reviewed progress related to:
- Forest rights certificate distribution
- Cashew plantation
- Bamboo plantation
- Eco-tourism projects
- Other major forest development programmes
He discussed implementation challenges and directed officials to ensure that every scheme delivers visible results for public welfare and forest conservation.
Strict Action Directed Against Environmental Violations
The meeting also included discussions on environmental protection, pollution control measures, and progress related to environmental compensation.
CM Hemant Soren directed officials to take effective action against cases where environmental standards are violated.
Officials also discussed improving the functioning of the Jan Vishwas App for faster and transparent disposal of pollution-related complaints.
Senior Officials Attend Jharkhand Forest Department Review Meeting
Several senior government officials attended the meeting, including:
- Chief Secretary Avinash Kumar
- Development Commissioner Ajay Kumar Singh
- Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department Secretary Abu Bakar Siddiqui P
- ST, SC and Minority Welfare Department Secretary Kripanand Jha
- Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force Sanjeev Kumar
- PCCF Wildlife Ravi Ranjan
- PCCF (ED) A.T. Mishra
- Jharkhand Biodiversity Board Chairman Vishwanath Shah
- PCCF Wildlife S.R. Natesh
- Managing Director, Forest Development Corporation Jabbar Singh
- APCCF D. Venkatesh Varlu
- Jharkhand State Pollution Control Board Member Secretary Rajiv Lochan Bakshi
- RCCF Dumka R. Thanga Pandian
- Additional Secretaries Bhor Singh Yadav and Dilip Tirkey
Jharkhand Government’s Vision for Green Growth and Sustainable Development
CM Hemant Soren stated that Jharkhand aims to increase forest cover, protect biodiversity, generate employment, and improve the economic condition of rural and forest communities.
He directed officials to prioritize locally suitable and economically beneficial plantation models so that forest conservation and community development progress together.
The government’s focus will remain on creating a balance between nature conservation, sustainable development, tourism growth, and livelihood opportunities across Jharkhand.
