Management of forests in the state Odisha
In Odisha, the management of forests is basically concerned with reforestation of degraded
forests, controlling illegal exploitation of forest resources and encroachment of forest
lands, nursery and plantation, protection of forests from forest fire, soil conservation and
moisture conservation measures, construction of forest roads and coastal afforestation
programmes. The Odisha forest department (OFD) is responsible for the protection and
conservation of forest land in the state. The department plays the role of a regulator and
enforcer of laws and acts relating to forest lands of the state. The OFD has three wings,
namely Forest Wing, Kendu leaf Wing and Wildlife Wing. The administrative hierarchy of
OFD in ascending order is as follows: Beat (managed by Forest Guard), Section (managed
by Forester), Range (managed by Range Officer), Division (managed by Division Forest
Officer-DFO), Circle (managed by Conservator of Forests-CF) and Head quarters (managed
by Principal Chief Conservator of Forest-PCCF). However, it is strongly felt that
there is a greater need of financial assistance, better facilities related to mobility and
advanced communication and information technology to enhance the functional and
administrative efficiency of the department.
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