SRINAGAR:
Taking first step towards revisiting the State’s forest policy so that it is in tune with the concerns and expectations of all stakeholders, Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, today unveiled a new blueprint.
The new plan is to conserve State’s depleting forest wealth by encouraging people’s participation in afforestation drives, identifying eco-tourist destinations and commercial propagation of highly-remunerative medicinal plants.
For safeguarding the forests, a high-level committee was constituted. He also directed the Forest Department to fully meet the timber requirement of those persons who live in concessional zones in close proximity of forests.
“I want people’s active and voluntary participation in protection and management of forest wealth so that they realise its significance and become its guardians,” he stated.
The Chief Minister gave these directions while chairing a high-level review meeting on the working of the State Forest Department. The department has been asked to submit a Comprehensive Plan by July 31 for implementation of the directions given by the Chief Minister.
Asking the forest officers to change their mindset, the Chief Minister stressed upon the Department to take effective steps for people’s involvement in protection, sustenance and growth of forests. He also asked the department to prepare 10-15 pilot projects where villagers are involved in massive plantation drives on denuded forests. (AGENCIES)
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