Bhubaneswar- The Odisha government has introduced stringent monthly foot patrolling targets for all field-level forest staff, aiming to strengthen the protection of forest resources and curb illegal activities such as timber smuggling and poaching.
Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Suresh Panth, in a directive to the department, stressed that a strong physical presence in vulnerable areas acts as both a deterrent to offenders and an opportunity to engage with local communities, gather on-ground intelligence, and monitor the overall health of forests.
Under the new system, protection squads must cover a minimum of 100 km on foot each month, followed by 75 km for forest guards and foresters, 50 km for range officers, 25 km for assistant conservators of forests, 15 km for divisional forest officers, and 10 km for regional chief conservators of forests.
The order specifies that all patrol activities must be logged in the Odisha Forest Management System (OFMS) and approved by supervising officers. Patrol routes are required to include vulnerable beats, sensitive compartments, and fringe areas prone to illicit activities. Joint and surprise patrols are encouraged in high-risk zones.
Monthly patrol performance will be reviewed at Range, Division, and Circle levels, with strict action against proxy patrolling or failure to meet targets without valid reasons. Officials have been cautioned that any non-compliance will be taken seriously, underscoring the government’s commitment to proactive forest protection and stronger field accountability.
