Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Expresses Strong Displeasure Over Forest Department Complaints
Vijayawada: In a significant development, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu voiced strong dissatisfaction on Thursday regarding the escalating number of complaints against the state forest department. Addressing the second day of the sixth collectors' conference at the state secretariat, Naidu revealed he has been receiving an unprecedented volume of grievances against the department, a situation he described as never witnessed during his four previous terms as chief minister.
Call for People-Friendly Functioning and Development Cooperation
The chief minister emphasized that the forest department should not become an obstacle to development initiatives. He called for a fundamental shift towards people-friendly functioning, drawing parallels with the successful transformation of the police department into a citizen-oriented organization. "While the police department has successfully transitioned itself into a people-friendly organisation, a similar change is required in the forest department," Naidu stated during his address to district collectors and officials.
Structural Issues and Supervision Concerns
Naidu highlighted structural concerns within the department's functioning, noting that forest officials should work under the direct supervision of district collectors. However, he expressed disappointment that this hierarchical structure is not being followed in numerous locations across the state. "Forest officials should work under the supervision of district collectors, but it has come to my notice that they are not following the instructions of collectors in many places," the chief minister revealed, indicating systemic issues requiring immediate attention.
Specific Incidents Cited as Examples of Public Inconvenience
The chief minister referenced specific incidents that have caused public inconvenience, including forest officials preventing devotees from walking to Srisailam, which subsequently led to a stampede-like situation the following day. He cited a similar instance in Badvel where forest department actions created difficulties for citizens. "Officials should bring any issues to the notice of the government instead of inconveniencing people or obstructing programmes," Naidu asserted, while expressing concerns about what he described as "impractical thinking" by some forest officials that continues to create public difficulties.
Balancing Environmental Protection with Public Access
Stressing the importance of environmental protection, Naidu urged forest officials to cooperate with environment-friendly projects while strictly adhering to established rules and regulations. He emphasized the department's dual responsibility of increasing green cover and biodiversity while simultaneously creating conditions that allow citizens to visit forest areas in a safe and pleasant manner. The chief minister's remarks highlighted the need for balanced governance that protects natural resources while ensuring public access and convenience.
Ministerial Coordination and Future Actions
Naidu disclosed that he has already discussed the complaints against the forest department with Deputy Chief Minister K Pawan Kalyan, who also serves as the minister for forests and environment. The chief minister indicated he would engage in further discussions with the deputy chief minister if necessary to address the ongoing issues. This coordination between the chief minister's office and the forest ministry underscores the seriousness with which the administration is treating the mounting complaints against the department.
The chief minister's strong remarks at the collectors' conference signal potential administrative reforms within the forest department, with an emphasis on improved public service, better coordination with district administrations, and a more balanced approach to environmental protection and public access.
