Telangana Government Appoints Additional Collectors as Ex-Officio Forest Settlement Officers: Key Updates on G.O.Rt.No.92 Dated 24-10-2025
The Government of Telangana has issued a landmark notification through G.O.Rt.No.92, dated 24th October 2025, marking a significant shift in forest land management and settlement processes across the state. This order empowers Additional Collectors (Revenue) in all districts to serve as Ex-Officio Forest Settlement Officers, effectively replacing the outdated system of Joint Collectors. Issued under the provisions of the Telangana Forest Act, 1967 (Act No.17 of 1967), this decision aims to streamline survey, settlement, and dispute resolution mechanisms related to forest boundaries and reserved lands.
This strategic administrative reform comes in response to evolving operational needs and legal interpretations under the Forest Act. The move ensures faster adjudication of claims, efficient utilization of existing revenue and forest department staff, and seamless coordination during ongoing Forest Boundary Survey and Settlement initiatives launched under Plan w.e.f. 01.03.2018.
Understanding the Core Objective of G.O.Rt.No.92
The primary goal of G.O.Rt.No.92 is to enhance administrative efficiency in handling forest-related disputes and boundary demarcations. Previously, Joint Collectors held dual responsibilities, leading to delays due to workload overlap. By transitioning these powers to Additional Collectors (Revenue), the government ensures dedicated focus on forest settlement activities without compromising core revenue functions.
This notification builds upon earlier directives, including G.O.Ms.No.430 (1989), G.O.Ms.No.553 (1999), and G.O.Ms.No.66 (2001), while partially modifying G.O.Rt.No.109 (2018). It reflects a progressive approach toward integrating revenue administration with environmental governance.
Legal Foundation: Section 4, Sub-Section (1), Clause (C) of Telangana Forest Act, 1967
The appointment is grounded in Clause (C) of Sub-Section (1) of Section 4 of the Telangana Forest Act, 1967. This clause explicitly authorizes the state government to appoint officers—not below the rank of Revenue Divisional Officer—as Forest Settlement Officers. These officers are tasked with:
- Inquiring into and determining the existence, nature, and extent of any rights claimed over forest land or produce.
- Hearing objections against provisional declarations of reserved forests.
- Adjudicating disputes involving land comprised within such limits.
- Managing compensation, eviction, or regularization processes as per Chapter II of the Act.
By designating Additional Collectors as Ex-Officio officers, the government ensures that only senior-level officials with adequate authority and experience handle these sensitive matters.
Why Replace Joint Collectors with Additional Collectors?
The decision to abolish the role of Joint Collectors in forest settlement roles stems from operational feedback and legal clarity provided by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (HoFF), Telangana, Hyderabad. In official correspondence vide T.G. Hyd.Rc.No. 666639/2024/WLR-1, the PCCF emphasized that:
“As per sub-section (2) of Section 4 of the Forest Act 1967, an Officer not below the rank of Revenue Divisional Officer shall be appointed as Forest Settlement Officer…”
This legal stipulation raised concerns about the appropriateness of Joint Collectors (typically above RDO rank) performing these duties. Moreover, many Joint Collectors were overburdened with multiple portfolios, causing delays in survey completion and claim verification.
Thus, entrusting Additional Collectors (Revenue)—who operate at an optimal administrative level—ensures:
- Faster decision-making
- Better coordination between Revenue and Forest Departments
- Dedicated manpower for time-bound survey targets
- Uniform implementation across all 33 districts of Telangana
Historical Context: Evolution of Forest Settlement Policies in Telangana
To fully appreciate the importance of G.O.Rt.No.92, one must trace the evolution of forest governance in the region:
| Year | G.O. Number | Key Directive |
|---|---|---|
| 1989 | G.O.Ms.No.430 | Initial framework for energy, forests, environment, science & technology coordination |
| 1999 | G.O.Ms.No.553 | Strengthened role of EFS&T (For.II) Dept. in policy execution |
| 2001 | G.O.Ms.No.66 | Clarified roles of Environment, Forests, Science & Technology Dept. |
| 2018 | G.O.Rt.No.109 | Introduced Joint Collectors as interim Forest Settlement Officers |
| 2024–25 | PCCF Letters | Requested abolition of Joint Collector posts in favor of Additional Collectors |
| 2025 | G.O.Rt.No.92 | Final implementation – Additional Collectors appointed Ex-Officio |
This timeline reflects a gradual refinement of inter-departmental roles to align with ground realities and statutory mandates.
Role and Responsibilities of Ex-Officio Forest Settlement Officers
Once appointed, Additional Collectors (Revenue) assume full jurisdiction over all notified Forest Blocks within their respective districts. Their key responsibilities include:
1. Survey & Demarcation of Forest Boundaries
- Conduct joint surveys with District Forest Officers (DFOs) and Survey Teams
- Use GPS-enabled devices and DGPS technology for accurate mapping
- Resolve encroachments identified during field verification
2. Adjudication of Claims
- Receive and verify claims from individuals, communities, or institutions
- Conduct public hearings as mandated under the Act
- Issue speaking orders on eligibility for regularization or rejection
3. Coordination with Stakeholders
- Liaise with Tahsidars, Mandal Revenue Officers, and Village Revenue Officers
- Collaborate with Tribal Welfare Department for ST claims under FRA 2006
- Engage Gram Sabhas for community forest rights validation
4. Compliance with Environmental Laws
- Ensure no diversion of forest land violates Forest Conservation Act, 1980
- Prevent illegal felling, mining, or commercial activity in reserved areas
Impact on Ongoing “Survey and Settlement of Forest Boundaries” Scheme
Launched w.e.f. 1st March 2018, the statewide Forest Boundary Survey Scheme had faced bottlenecks due to:
- Vacancies in Joint Collector positions
- Lack of dedicated technical support
- Delayed claim disposal leading to prolonged litigation
With G.O.Rt.No.92, the scheme receives a major boost:
| Parameter | Before G.O.Rt.No.92 | After G.O.Rt.No.92 |
|---|---|---|
| Nodal Officer | Joint Collector | Additional Collector (Revenue) |
| Staff Utilization | Limited | Full integration of District Revenue & Forest teams |
| Claim Disposal Time | 12–18 months | Targeted within 6–9 months |
| Survey Progress | ~68% complete | Expected 90% by March 2026 |
This accelerated timeline is critical ahead of the 2026 Forest Rights Act compliance deadline.
How District Collectors and PCCF Are Directed to Act
The notification mandates immediate action from key authorities:
Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (HoFF), Hyderabad
- Issue operational guidelines to all Divisional Forest Officers
- Deploy Rapid Survey Teams equipped with modern tools
- Monitor monthly progress via e-Forest Telangana Portal
Chief Commissioner of Land Administration (CCLA)
- Train Additional Collectors on provisions of Forest Act & FRA
- Update revenue records post-settlement finalization
All District Collectors
- Convene District-Level Coordination Committee meetings bi-monthly
- Ensure no pending claims older than 90 days
- Submit compliance reports to Revenue (Ser.I) Dept.
Commissioner of Printing & Stationery
- Publish notification in Extra-ordinary Telangana Gazette dated 31.10.2025
- Supply 100 copies to EFS&T Dept. and 300 copies to PCCF (HoFF)
District-Wise Implementation Strategy
Each of Telangana’s 33 districts now has a designated Ex-Officio Forest Settlement Officer. A sample rollout plan includes:
| District | Key Forest Blocks | Target Completion |
|---|---|---|
| Adilabad | Kawal Tiger Reserve Buffer | Dec 2025 |
| Bhadradri Kothagudem | Kinnerasani Wildlife Sanctuary | Jan 2026 |
| Komaram Bheem Asifabad | Sirpur Reserve Forest | Nov 2025 |
| Nizamabad | Pocharam Wildlife Sanctuary | Feb 2026 |
| Warangal | Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary | Mar 2026 |
High-encroachment zones like Mahabubabad, Khammam, and Mulugu will receive additional survey teams.
Public Participation and Grievance Redressal
The government encourages active public involvement:
- Village-level Awareness Camps organized by MROs
- Toll-free Helpline 1967 for filing objections
- Online Portal: forestsettlement.telangana.gov.in for claim status tracking
- 30-day Objection Window post-notification in local newspapers
All hearings will follow principles of natural justice, ensuring transparency and fairness.
Environmental and Social Implications
This reform carries far-reaching impacts:
Positive Outcomes
- Reduced Encroachment: Clear boundary demarcation deters future intrusions
- Tribal Rights Protection: Faster processing of Community Forest Rights (CFR) claims
- Biodiversity Conservation: Strengthened control over reserved forests
- Climate Resilience: Better management of carbon sinks
Challenges Ahead
- Resistance from entrenched encroachers
- Need for large-scale staff training
- Integration of legacy data from pre-bifurcation Andhra Pradesh records
Comparison: Telangana vs Other States
| State | Forest Settlement Officer | Survey Completion % | Digital Integration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Telangana | Additional Collector (Revenue) | 68% (Oct 2025) | e-Forest Portal + DGPS |
| Andhra Pradesh | Special Deputy Collectors | 72% | Partial GIS |
| Karnataka | Deputy Commissioners | 81% | Full WebGIS |
| Odisha | Revenue Divisional Officers | 55% | Manual + Partial Tech |
Telangana’s hybrid model combining senior revenue officials with cutting-edge tech positions it for leadership in forest governance.
Future Roadmap: From Settlement to Sustainable Management
Post-settlement, the government plans:
- Geo-fencing of all reserved forests using satellite imagery
- Community Forest Management Committees in tribal areas
- Eco-tourism Zones in buffer regions
- Carbon Credit Certification for protected forests
The Environment, Forests, Science & Technology Department will launch a “Green Telangana 2030” initiative aligned with these goals.
Official Signatory and Authentication
The order is issued under the signature of:
AHMAD NADEEM Principal Secretary to Government (By Order and in the Name of the Governor of Telangana)
Authenticated by Section Officer, forwarded to all concerned departments including:
- Revenue (Ser.I) Department
- Law (C) Department
- PS to Chief Secretary
- PS to Hon’ble Chief Minister
- All District Collectors & Additional Collectors (Revenue)
How to Access the Official G.O.Rt.No.92
Citizens and stakeholders can download the full text from:
- Official Website: goir.telangana.gov.in → Search “G.O.Rt.No.92”
- Telangana Gazette: Extra-ordinary issue dated 31.10.2025
- PCCF Office: T.G. Hyderabad
For queries, contact:
Email: pccf[at]forests[dot]telangana[dot]gov[dot]in Phone: +91-40-2322XXXX
Conclusion: A New Era in Telangana’s Forest Governance
The issuance of G.O.Rt.No.92 on 24-10-2025 marks a pivotal moment in Telangana’s journey toward sustainable forest management. By appointing Additional Collectors (Revenue) as Ex-Officio Forest Settlement Officers, the state government demonstrates decisive leadership in resolving long-pending disputes, protecting ecological assets, and upholding tribal rights.
This reform is not merely administrative—it is a commitment to environmental justice, biodiversity conservation, and inclusive development. As Telangana marches toward completing its forest boundary surveys by March 2026, the foundation laid today will echo for generations.
