Japanese representatives visit Aranya Bhavan: Key meeting with forest officials: Preliminary proposal of Rs. 1270 crore for a period of 5 years.
Hyderabad: With the objective of comprehensively developing the Telangana Forest Department, the department has prepared preliminary proposals to obtain loan assistance from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). Accordingly, a crucial meeting was held today at Aranya Bhavan, chaired by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF & HoFF), Dr. C. Suvarna, with JICA representatives from Japan.
During the meeting, Dr. Suvarna explained to the JICA representatives the various programs being implemented by the Forest Department in Telangana state. She stated that the Van Mahotsav program, aimed at increasing greenery, is being implemented on a large scale across the state.
It was also decided that through the JICA project, several key programs will be implemented in the state, including the development of eco-tourism, strengthening of tiger reserves, wildlife conservation, urban forest development, extensive plantation programs, restoration of degraded forests, and prevention of forest fires.
A preliminary proposal worth Rs. 1270 crore for a period of 5 years has been prepared with JICA’s cooperation. The proposal stipulates that 85 percent of the total expenditure will be provided as a loan from JICA, and the remaining 15 percent will be contributed by the state government.
On this occasion, the JICA representatives stated that JICA is currently implementing forestry-related projects in ten states across India with the aim of further strengthening India-Japan bilateral relations.
They praised the development programs proposed by the Telangana Forest Department, describing them as comprehensive and aligned with future needs. They added that these projects will serve as a model for forest conservation and for addressing the impacts of climate change, and expressed their pleasure in working with Telangana.
Dr. C. Suvarna said, “In the current circumstances, the JICA project is extremely necessary for the Forest Department. Our department has previous experience successfully implementing projects funded by the World Bank. Given the current reduction in CAMPA funds, international cooperation projects like JICA are very useful for the development of the Forest Department.”
She further stated that this JICA collaboration will play a crucial role in modernizing the forestry sector and protecting environmental balance. On this occasion, the Forest Department officials, on behalf of the Telangana government, felicitated the JICA representatives.
The meeting was attended by JICA representatives Iha Chinatsu, Shimojo Hitomi, JICA India representative Siddharth Parameswaran, PCCF (Wildlife) Vinay Kumar, PCCF Ratnakar Jauhari, CCFs Priyanka Varghese, S.J. Asha, Kshitija, and several District Forest Officers (DFOs).
