The Hindu : Karnataka News : Forest Department launches new services

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Tuesday, Feb 08, 2011
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Karnataka

Karnataka

Forest Department launches new services

Staff Reporter

They can be used to submit grievances or to provide information

C.H. Vijayashankar

Bangalore: Now, you can call a toll-free number, send SMS or an email to the Forest Department to submit your grievances or to tip them off about forest offences.

Even information about the department can be obtained through the toll-free number 80-88059555. SMS can be sent to 09639566677 and to submit grievances through email, one can log in to www.aranya.gov.in.

Minister for Forests C.H. Vijayashankar launched these services here on Monday along with the newly established information and communication technology centre and the modernised forest control room.

Meanwhile, people can soon “virtually walk through” some of the rich forest wealth by logging into the department's website.

Mullayanagiri, the highest peak in Karnataka, will be made available for the “virtual walkthrough” by the department in a couple of days.

Mr. Vijayashankar said that soon the service of toll-free number would be available 24X7 and people could call any time to lodge complaints or seek information. He said that the department had taken steps to transfer the information provided or sought by the people to the section concerned through wireless communication system, email or telephone so that action could be initiated in a short period.

Monitoring

The Personal Information Management System and the Court Case Monitoring System, which were also launched on Monday as part of e-government initiatives of the department, would help in better administration and proper monitoring of the court cases and take suitable action at the earliest.

Wireless sets

He said the department would provide wireless sets to personnel posted in forest ranges for better communication .

The Minister justified the increase in the entry fee for national parks, and made it clear that the rise was essential for better management of these parks.

He pointed out that the fee was not increased for the students.

Elephant deaths

On the death of wild elephants in Hassan district recently, he said the department was looking into the possibility of starting an elephant training centre in the area.

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