Vij orders suspension of DFO, XEN over illegal tree felling

Hisar: During a Grievance Redressal Committee meeting held in Sirsa on Friday, Haryana minister Anil Vij directed the suspension of two officials and ordered the registration of a criminal case in connection with illegal tree felling. As per sources, a total of of 15 complaints were taken up at the meeting, of which 11 were resolved on the spot, while four were deferred to the next meeting.Responding to a complaint regarding illegal tree felling in Kaluana village of Sirsa district, Vij said a committee was constituted to inquire into the matter. The inquiry report confirmed that 31 trees were felled in excess. He said strict action was taken against those found negligent. Based on the complaint alleging the illegal felling of 51 trees, Vij directed the suspension of the Executive Engineer (XEN) of the Public Health Department and the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of the Forest Department. He also ordered the registration of a criminal case against those involved in the illegal activity.Commenting on the Congress party's allegations regarding the renaming of the MNREGA scheme, Vij said the party was not opposed to the scheme itself but to the term "development". He alleged that despite ruling the country for over 6 decades, the Congress failed to ensure genuine development and wanted people to remain poor and unemployed.He further alleged that the Congress opposed the construction of the Ram Temple, which, according to him, was the reason it could not be built for 60 years. Vij claimed that even after the temple's construction, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi did not visit it. Taking a dig at former Union minister Brijendra Singh's padayatra, Vij remarked that scriptures state that after completing all stages of life, a person undertakes a pilgrimage, and perhaps that tradition was followed.Over 400 electric buses to be added: VijInteracting with the mediapersons, Vij said that in the future, drivers of all private buses operating under various govt schemes would be required to undergo mandatory driving tests to ensure passenger safety. He said more than 400 electric buses would soon be inducted into Haryana Roadways, adding that necessary procedures were underway. Vij also said advanced tracking systems were installed in all roadways buses to provide real-time information to passengers.Digital display boards, similar to those at airports, will be installed at all bus terminals across the state to show bus arrival and departure details. A dedicated mobile application is also being developed to enable passengers to track buses live and plan their journeys more efficiently.