AGARTALA, May28 (TIWN): In total 261 new posts were created in the department of forest, Minister of Forest Naresh Jamatia told reporters at civil secretariat this evening. A cabinet meeting held on Tuesday approved the forest department suggestion.

The minister said creation of new posts necessary as more sub divisional forest offices will be created in the state, the cabinet also approved the regularization of 78 drivers and Group – D employees who were working on fixed pay for more than a decade. 

In forest department, 145 post are vacant on this the minister said initiatives will be taken to fill up the posts in this financial year. Besides, the forest department sent some proposals to central zoo authority for up gradation of Sephahijala wild life sanctuary.  

Replying the questions of reporters he is worried about endangered situation of environment as a result of destruction of forest. Referring checking urbanization is not possible he stressed on keeping balance between urbanization and aforestation. He said that Forest department laid emphasis on making the city green by plantation of trees.

He said that Left Front Government succeeded to introduce Right to Forest Act for the forest dwellers after lot of struggle during the regime of first UPA Government. Tripura occupied top position to provide patta to the forest dwellers according to this act. He said, real development is not possible without handing over land to the people who are directly related to the land to earn their livelihood.

The minister further said that emphasis has been laid to introduce horticulture, rubber and bamboo plantation who got patta under Right to Forest Act. This attempt will help for their economic rehabilitation and aforestation. However he expected cooperation of people and well coordination among Forest staffs and officers of different level for success of all initiatives.