Forest reform is being handled by the National Reform Steering Committee’s public health and the environment committee which is devising long-term policies and looking to eliminating flaws in existing laws.

The special committee was appointed in May to look at immediate issues that may need revamping.

The six proposals comprise 22 measures aimed at helping concerned agencies reach the goal of increasing 40 per cent of the country’s forest areas as addressed in the 12th national social and economic development plan.

The proposals will be tabled at a NRSA meeting next week for deliberation before being forwarded to concern agencies for immediate implementation.

The proposals include the use of real-time data to monitor forests via the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency that will allow officials to apply anti-forest encroachment measures more effectively.

Another proposal involves the setting up of a sub-panel under the National Anti-Corruption Commission that will directly deal with forest encroachment cases, as influential state officials have increasingly been involved in the illegal practice.