Keonjhar, Odisha : Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has strongly questioned the rationale behind the 2006 arrest of 20 to 25 tribal youths in Guptaganga, Keonjhar, who were reportedly jailed for over 100 days. “What was their crime?” the CM asked, highlighting the injustice meted out to innocent tribal communities.
He emphasized that genuine forest dwellers are being wrongfully targeted while actual forest mafias, involved in illegal felling and sale of precious trees, operate freely with the help of corrupt elements. “Our own people are being displaced and branded as criminals due to the actions of a few vested interests,” he added.
Calling for urgent systemic reform, the Chief Minister urged forest department officials involved in corruption to change their mindset. “It is time for introspection. A few corrupt officers are giving the entire department a bad name,” he remarked, warning of strict action.
Reiterating his government’s zero-tolerance policy towards corruption, he stated, “What is being shown on TV about departmental corruption should never become a reality. The government will function for the people even if it is criticized.”
In a strong push for environmental conservation, the CM revealed that over 6.52 crore trees have been planted under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign across Odisha. An additional 1 crore trees will be planted this year. On September 7, marking the 75th birthday of the Prime Minister, Odisha aims to plant 75 lakh saplings in a single day.
The Chief Minister also announced his plan to personally invite the Prime Minister during an upcoming visit to Delhi to participate in the statewide plantation drive.
