TNN | Jan 3, 2012, 02.08AM IST

NAGPUR: The chief secretary Ratnakar Gaikwad has set a deadline for all zilla parishad chiefexecutive officers (CEOs) to follow guidelines to strengthen joint forest management (JFM) and eco-development committees (EDCs).

The directions from Gaikwad were issued on December 22. CEOs have been asked to utilize 7% revenue, which they get from the forest department, for distributing biogas, cooking gas and solar cookers in JFM villages. The basic idea is to reduce biotic pressure on forests.

The CEOs have also been given a deadline of January 15, to set up these committees by calling a meeting of gram panchayats.

The committees have also been asked to prepare micro plans till January 31, and get them approved from respective deputy conservators (DyCFs) by February 10.

Apart from ZPs, allied departments mainly forest, tribal welfare, animal husbandry, irrigation and district rural development authority (DRDA) have been asked to reach the benefits of government schemes to these JFMs. There may be over 12,500 JFM committees in the state.

The animal husbandry department has been told not to distribute goats or sheep in the JFM villages, and instead of unproductive cattle, cows giving high milk yield be given.

District collectors have been asked to make some provision for aid under district planning committee.

The project officers of DRDA have been asked to lay stress on household equipment being run on solar energy. The irrigation department has been asked to streamline water bodies having low or poor water storage under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme.

Owing to frequent incidences of wild animals falling in the wells near villages adjoining forest areas, the officials have been asked to strictly ensure that under the MREGS/EGS, a 3 feet parapet wall is constructed around open wells. Besides, fishing contracts should be given only to local cooperatives.

District collectors will conduct a monthly review whether the guidelines are followed or not.

The CEOs have to ensure that the villagers' micro plan contains all the necessary directions. Besides, a panel headed by respective block development officers (BDOs) will review the work as per the micro plans.