Addressing the growing human-animal conflict in the region will be given special focus according to Deepak Srivastava who assumed the office of Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF), Coimbatore Circle, on Friday. Protection of the rich flora and fauna, promotion of eco-tourism and bringing Forest Department closer to the society will also be areas of focus, he said.
The officer added that special efforts will also be made to settle various issues surrounding the Gudalur Janmam lands.
A 1992 batch IFS officer from Haridwar, Mr. Srivastava will hold additional charge as Field Director of Mudumalai Tiger Reserve and Mulurthi National Park. Prior to his new post, Mr. Srivastava was Dean (Forestry), Forest College and Research Institute at Mettupalayam.
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He replaces S. Ramasubramanian, who has been transferred to the post of Conservator of Forests (Working Plan), Coimbatore. Though V. Thirunavukkarasu was initially appointed as CCF, Coimbatore Circle, he was shifted to the same post in Dindigul Circle.
New DFO
Meanwhile, S. Venkatesh, 2008-batch IFS officer from Virudhunagar, assumed charge as District Forest Officer (DFO) of Coimbatore Forest Division on Friday. Mr. Venkatesh has replaced N. Satheesh, 2003 batch IFS officer from Salem, who has been appointed as General Manager of Tamil Nadu Forest Plantation Corporation Limited in Tiruchi.
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Mr. Venkatesh was serving as DFO of Dindigul Forest Division prior to which he served the same post in Kodaikanal forest division. The officer said that various aspects of the forest division, the new terrain and challenges are being studied to begin the stint in Coimbatore.