Avirup Ghosh & P Ramesh Kumar
Port Blair, August 03: The Member of Parliament Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray today raised questions on the functioning of Forest Department. Addressing a press conference the MP said that that 80 % of plantation programme became a sheer wastage.
He added that the forest department doesn’t have minimum infrastructure. Mr. Paritosh Saha ex. D.F.O of North and Middle Andaman, during the press meet, explained about the barriers he has faced during his tenure.
The MP further added that lack of human resource is the reason behind the failure of plantation programme. He said that in 13th IDA meeting held on 15th June, 2011, it was clearly mentioned that administration have to consult with the Member of Parliament regarding development of the plantation programme.
Ray demanded for a detailed report on the plantation program since last 10 yrs.
Mr. Roy also mentioned that encroachment has become a serious problem in these Islands. He quoted a news item of a government news paper where Deputy Commissioner had assured strict action against the encroachment. He alleged that this law is only imposed on the general public, whereas the big fishes are totally above this law. During the press conference the MP also raised issues regarding poor conditions of government schools in North and Middle Andaman and also regarding the crocodile menace in these Islands.
