In a major decision aimed at reducing disputes between the Revenue and Forest departments over the extent of land owned by them respectively, the State government has decided to create a mechanism to exclusively deal with the issue.
The government has announced creation of the post of additional collectors (revenue) at the district level designated as ex-officio forest settlement officers. The development follows the abolition of the posts of joint collectors and replacing them with additional collectors.
The new officials will be in replacement of the joint collector system and they have the jurisdiction in respect of all notified forest blocks situated in the respective districts. Environment and Forests principal secretary Ahmed Nadeem said, in the orders issued on Friday, that the appointment follows a request from the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests seeking appointment of officers not below the rank of Revenue Divisional Officer as Forest Settlement Officer.
The FSOs have been designated to consider objections if any against the declaration of suitable land as reserved forest. They would enquire into and determine the existence, nature and extent of any rights claimed by or alleged to exist in favour of any person in or over any land comprised within such limits.
The revenue department, on its part, conveyed its no objection to entrust additional collector (revenue) the responsibilities of forest settlement officer till the creation of specific posts in the Environment and Forest department. The notification would be deemed to have come into force with effect from the date of abolition of the post of joint collectors and their replacement with additional collectors.
Published – October 24, 2025 09:46 pm IST
