Implementation of RAP successful: Jha

Visakhapatnam, Nov 6 (UNI) The Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) is being successfully implemented in the areas where Podu cultivation is largely practiced in the Visakhapatnam cirlce, Andhra Pradesh Chief Forest Conservator B K Jha said today.

Addressing a press conference, on the conclusion of Independent Advisory Group's (IAG) two-day visit to assess the implementation of RAP here, he said 11,600 families have been benefitted by RAP in 434 villages. The Project Affected Families (PAF) were supported with land development if they had any land holding, he informed.

He said the land was being developed both by means of manual labour and machines depending upon site-specific conditions.

Mr Jha said the efforts made by the State Forest Department to check encroachments and encroachers under the Andhra Pradesh Forest Act, 1967, only created conflicts and tensions among the foresters and practitioners of Podu cultivation.

With harmony between foresters and tribal groups, there was reduction in fresh encroachments as the livelihood of the forest dependent communities have been duly addressed.

UNI