First in Best: Principal Secretary Shailaja Ramaiyer Reviews Forest Department’s Performance

Smt. Shailaja Ramaiyer visited Aranya Bhavan for the first time on Saturday after assuming charge as the Principal Secretary of the Forest Department. Forest Department officials welcomed her on the occasion. She reviewed the department’s activities alongside officials, led by PCCF (HoFF) Sri Vinay Kumar.

During the meeting, officials presented details via a PowerPoint presentation regarding CAMPA programs, Social Forestry projects, state-wide *Vanamahotsav* (tree plantation) initiatives, forest conservation efforts, pending proposals and clearance processes under the Forest Conservation Act (FCA), various issues related to forest lands, and the progress of other key departmental programs.

Speaking on the occasion, Principal Secretary Shailaja Ramaiyer emphasized the need to implement every program in a timely manner, adhering to set targets. She specifically advised officials to fully utilize the monsoon season for the successful conduct of *Vanamahotsav* programs and to focus intently on the survival and care of the saplings planted. She also directed officials to take necessary measures to expedite the resolution of proposals falling under the purview of the FCA and to enhance coordination with relevant departments.

She further stated that priority must be given to quality and transparency in the implementation of government priority programs and urged officials to take steps to increase public participation. CCFs Saravanan, S.J. Asha, Priyanka Varghese, and Kshitija, along with other senior officials, participated in the meeting.