JORHAT, July 7 - Expressing serious concern over the cases of rampant corruption, illegal sale of forest resources, including valuable timber, and extraction of sand from prohibited areas along several rivers across the State, Forest Minister Pramila Rani Brahma told newsmen here that she was determined to streamline her department �within a year� as she had already intensified drives against corrupt practices and against several officials of the department in many parts of the State.
During her visit to Jorhat on Tuesday, Brahma, who is also the Minister of Welfare of Plain Tribes and Backward Classes Department, inaugurated the BR Ambedkar Bhawan at Atilagaon in the presence of Jorhat MLA Hitendra Nath Goswami and many other dignitaries and officials of the district administration.
She said the lack of requisite infrastructure and discipline on the part of several responsible officials have caused serious problems to dedicated officials who have been trying their best to prevent crimes from taking place in the forest areas of the State. However, she said that she was determined to nab criminals and corrupt officials of the Forest department in order to protect the interests of the State.
The minister also appealed to the public to send complaints to her directly if any Forest officer is found indulging in illegal activities in any part of the State. She gave an assurance that immediate legal action against the complaints would be taken to prevent corruption and protect wildlife and resources in the forest areas of the State.
