Forest

Ranchi, Mar 20, (UNI) Jharkhand's Human Resources Development Minister, also in-charge of Power, Bandhu Tirkey today said a meeting would be convened next month to find ways of implementing the schemes which were being hindered due to forest land.

The matter was raised by Congress members- Pradeep Balmuchu and Neal Tirkey- accusing the Madhu Koda led UPA government of betraying them over non-implemention of erstwhile government's announcement of providing power in their native villages.

Intervening into the answer of a short hour question raised by Mr Neal, Jharkhand Chief Minister Madhu Koda said about 30 per cent of the state's area belonged to forest and the develpment work had to be done in these areas adding the Centre had been requested to bring some liberty in the 1980 forest act.

Refering to the problems in implementing the electrification schemes due to forest lands, Mr Koda said that the schemes would be implemented with the co-operation of different departments.

He said permission was not needed by the forest department for constructing roads in those areas were roads existed earlier.

Earlier, Deputy Chief Minister and in-charge of forest and environment Sudhir Mahto replying to a short hour of Mr Tirkey said he had not received any proposal under forest preservation act 80 for acquiring land.

Mr Tirkey said no land was acquired for the power grid and sub-station despite receiving permission from the forest department.

UNI