Assam: Revenue proceeds of Digboi Forest Division multiplies nearly 14 times

OUR CORRESPONDENT

DIGBOI: Digboi Divisional Forest Officer IFS TC Ranjith Ram today said that non-compliance to the forest provisions leads to potential revenue loss of the government which needs to be dealt with at any cost for the augmentation of forest revenue. The official, while responding to the queries of The Sentinel on the sudden halt imposed on the ongoing 40 km-long Digboi-Pengaree-Bordumsa Mohong Road Project under Asom Mala 2.0, said that the construction company is yet to obtain forest clearance.

When asked about the royalty deposited by the firm, the DFO said that the improvement and upgradation work in the reserve forest area under Digboi Division must have a prior permission from the department concerned. The royalty now is to be paid in advance following the closure of Zero Transit Permit (TP) from March 3. Through Zero TP, the department has immensely assisted the contractors in different works throughout Tinsukia District which alone shares 50 percent of the total works of entire Assam.

“Against 400 different works in Assam, Tinsukia district alone shares 200 which enjoyed the privilege of Zero TP till March 3 which implied that royalty amounts were to be deducted from final bills. The contractors were allowed to use forest resources without paying royalty which is normally paid in advance,” said the official.

One of the officials of the Conservator of Forest Eastern Assam Circle said that Digboi Division has witnessed an unprecedented rise in its forest revenue collection. “The revenue collection jumped nearly 14 times in the past 4 years which is a self-explanation of the effective modus operandi and efficient administration of the division,” said the official on the condition of anonymity.

In the year 2021-22, the revenue collection of Digboi Division was nearly Rs 1 crore, which increased to Rs 5 crore in 2022-23 and touched Rs 11.7 crore in 2023-24. The total forest revenue proceeds to the state government exchequer has nearly reached Rs 15 crore this fiscal year which is almost 15 times in comparison to total proceeds of the year 2021-22.

According to a former DFO of the division, the significant contribution to overall department’s growth is primarily due to the commitment of the responsible official to sustainable forest management and innovative strategies which has led to the highest revenue generation.

Meanwhile, the contractors association of one of the departments has reportedly been extending a ‘frosty nose stare’ at the DFO and running from pillar to post to get a relaxation from the rigid and transparent administration of the forest department.

However, the halt in the construction of the ongoing road project has caused immense suffering to the people. The hazardous road diversions, incomplete culverts work, risky drains, and open reinforcement bars raise pertinent questions on the observed safety protocols.

Amidst the onset of the monsoon, there is a great apprehension if the work commenced on March 14 last year could be completed in a time-bound manner within 18 months. The contract amount of the project being executed by the department of PWRD Assam is Rs 1,30,41,00,000.

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