Forest dept. appoints liaison officers in 14 panchayats in Kannur

In a bid to streamline coordination and ensure faster delivery of services to the public, the Forest department has appointed liaison officers in 14 panchayats in Kannur district.

Beat and section officers have been designated as liaison officers in panchayats reporting a high incidence of human-wildlife conflict.

One officer from each Forest section concerned has been assigned liaison responsibilities in the selected local bodies.

According to Divisional Forest Officer S. Vysakh, the primary role of liaison officers is to coordinate matters related to the Forest department at the panchayat level. They will communicate complaints and queries from the public to the respective Forest officials and ensure follow-up action.

He said they would assist farmers in submitting applications for ex-gratia compensation in cases of wildlife conflicts. The officers will also ensure that vigilance and awareness committees meet regularly and facilitate the implementation of their decisions.

Informing the authorities responsible for maintenance of solar-powered hanging fences to prevent wildlife intrusion is also part of their mandate, he added.

Mr. Vyshakh said liaison officers would work towards including projects to mitigate human-wildlife conflict, which was declared a State-specific disaster.

They will ensure that departmental missions are implemented in the respective panchayats and coordinate with all departments to streamline responsibilities related to reducing such conflicts.