HYDERABAD, April 7: Sindh Forest Minister Syed Ali Nawaz Shah Rizvi has directed the officers of his department to identify and retrieve forest land which is under occupation and warned of action against those officials who fail to do so.

Speaking at a meeting of the officers of forest department at his camp office here on Saturday, Mr Shah said that it had been reported that many influential persons and land grabbers had occupied tracts of forest land and some elements were actively involved in chopping trees in forests for their illegal business. He said that it was a heinous crime which must be prevented at any cost.

He said that the forests of the province helped maintain echo system, were the habitat of animals and birds and also played a vital role in strengthening the embankments of the River Indus. Any damage to forest would pose threat to river banks, he added.

The minister received briefing about the pace of work on the ongoing development schemes being carried out by the department and directed the officers to complete the schemes by the end of June without compromising on quality of work.

He directed the officers to strictly implement the rules of the forest department and take strict action in case of any violation.

Sindh forest secretary Mushtaque Memon and chief conservator of forests Mir Nadir Ali Talpur briefed the meeting.