Odisha Forest Department Sets Monthly Foot Patrolling Targets for Field Staff
Rayagada: — The Odisha Forest Department has fixed monthly foot patrolling targets for all categories of field staff to boost forest protection and curb illegal activities. The directive, issued under Office Order No. 859 /1F (FU&FP) (FP)-12/2025 by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests & Head of Forest Force (PCCF & HoFF), also aims to ensure early detection of biodiversity threats.
With immediate effect, the minimum monthly targets are: Protection Squads – 100 km, Forest Guards – 75 km, Foresters – 75 km, Forest Range Officers – 50 km, Assistant Conservators of Forests (ACF) – 25 km, Divisional Forest Officers (DFO) – 15 km, and Regional Chief Conservators of Forests (RCCF) – 10 km.
All patrols must be recorded in the Odisha Forest Management System (OFMS) and approved by supervising officers. Priority areas include vulnerable beats, sensitive forest compartments, and fringe zones prone to illicit activities. Joint and surprise patrols will be carried out in high-risk areas.
The PCCF has warned that proxy patrolling or unjustified non-compliance will be viewed seriously, with monthly performance reviews conducted at Range, Division, and Circle levels. The move is expected to enhance on-ground presence, strengthen community rapport, and improve forest vigilance across Odisha.
Reported by Gouri Shankar Pattnaik
