Chandigarh, Sept. 9 -- Haryana forest minister Rao Narbir Singh on Tuesday issued directions to release pending maintenance dues of "van mitras" by September 15.

The pending dues pertain to financial years 2025-26 and 2026-27, an official spokesperson said, adding that the minister issued directions to the district forest officers (DFOs), who also function as drawing and disbursing officers.

The minister issued the directions while chairing a review meeting.

Stating that "arbitrary functioning" by DFOs would not be tolerated in any matter, Singh said that van mitras serve as an important link between the forest department and the public in the plantation drive. He said that the van mitras should be allowed to undertake plantations not ...