World Bank team to review State forest works

Most of the loan amount was spent on afforestation, eco-development and preservation of wildlife in the state.

According to available information, four-member World Bank team would evaluate plantation development, production forestry, bio-diversity conservation, protected area management and other related issues. Besides, the team would conduct economic and financial analysis, cost benefit, financial sustainability and poverty alleviation.

The World Bank team would also visit wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in the State to review the works in those areas funded by the Bank.

Meanwhile, the Government is in dilemma over the fate of over 700 employees who were attached to the Maharashtra Forestry Project, sponsored by the World Bank.

As the World Bank project expired on March 31 last, these employees have reportedly been declared as surplus. Of them, over 50 employees are senior forest officers, including a Chief Conservator of Forest (CCF) and two Conservator of Forest (CF).

The Government has reportedly decided to demote a CCF as CF in the wake of the recent development. Fate of the other employees hangs in balance.