YANGON: Authorities will conduct on-site inspections in Pyin Oo Lwin Township, east of Mandalay, to prevent illegal settlements and unauthorised land use and to ensure that land utilisation complies with existing laws.
On March 8, Union Minister for Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation Khin Maung Yi, together with Mandalay Region Chief Minister Myo Aung and officials from the Settlement and Land Records Department, the Forest Department and the Land Survey Department, conducted an aerial inspection of land-use changes across the township.
During the flight, the minister and his team observed cases of illegal encroachment into reserved forests and protected forest areas, as well as unauthorised conversion of vacant, fallow and agricultural land into other uses.
They also inspected government-managed lands that are reportedly being used without official permission.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation stated that it is accelerating efforts to increase forest coverage and maintain the greenery of Pyin Oo Lwin by conserving natural forests, improving systematic management, protecting watershed areas and establishing forest plantations.
To prevent illegal settlements and unlawful land use, relevant departments will form inspection teams to carry out field checks to ensure land is being used properly and in accordance with the law.
Authorities are also conducting aerial patrols to effectively supervise forest conservation activities and prevent forest fires and smoke hazards. - Eleven Media/ANN
