By Pervez Bari, TwoCircles.net
Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh has carved out a distinct identity in the field of forest management by dint of innovative measures it took for this purpose.
Last year a sum of Rs. 18.52 crore was spent on this work. The forest personnel have been connected with mobile network for more efficient forest protection. A forest fire warning mechanism has been set up using Information Technology. Similarly, Personal Digital Assistant (P.D.A.) is being used for modern information network.
As much as 95,000 square km forest area was protected against fire and 55,000 Munars were built for demarcation of forest lands during the year 2006-07 in the state. Besides, 72 posts and line quarters were set up. A sum of Rs. 21.50 crore was spent on forest protection during the period.
The digitization of forest maps is in progress. Wi-Fi facility has been provided to the Information Technology Training Centre. The forest department has introduced Geographical Information System (G.I.S.) under technology transfer scheme. An assessment of vegetation available in Madhya Pradesh would be made by obtaining satellite imagery of the forest division of Madhya Pradesh from National Remote Sensing Agency.
The linkage of forest personnel with mobile network has enabled quick exchange of information about forest protection and development activities.
Similarly, concerning parties are being acquainted with immediate problems of villagers living on the outskirts of forest and assistance is being provided to the villagers. It has also led to decrease in incidence of forest fire. ([email protected])