Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today asked the scientists to indentify suitable areas especially around Sri Anandpur Sahib and South Western Punjab for further propagation of important native trees species of the state.Releasing the book ‘Tree Directory of Punjab’ based on a scientific study undertaken for documentation of tree diversity of Punjab jointly by Punjab State Council for Science & Technology(PSCST) and Punjab Agricultural University here at his residence this morning to mark the International Biodiversity Day, 2015, the Chief Minister described the trees as the most precious gift of nature to the mankind as these have supported and sustained life throughout our existence. Mr. Badal lauded the role of PSCST and PAU for documenting the tree wealth of the state. Congratulating all the authors of the publication, he said that probably for the first time, this kind of exercise has been taken up in the state of Punjab.
The Chief Minister further said that present publication would serve as useful resource for policy makers and planners, forestry scientists, officers of State Forest Department and Punjab Biodiversity Board, students, researchers, field level workers and other stakeholders, who were directly or indirectly involved in management and conservation of trees and forests.Thanking the Chief Minister Secretary Science , Technology and Environment Mr. KAP Sinha said that extensive field surveys were carried out throughout the state to document the first hand information about existing trees in forest divisions, wildlife sanctuaries, botanical gardens, zoological parks, wetlands, along the rivers, national & state highways and in universities & agricultural areas. He said that the publication highlights unmatched environmental significance of native tree species which were particularly resistant to various environmental factors.Prominent amongst other present on the occasion included Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Dr. S Karunaraju, VC PAU Dr. BS Dhillon, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Rtd) Dr. RK Luna, IFS, Dr. Neelima Jerath, Executive Director, PSCST cum Member Secretary, Punjab Biodiversity Board and Team of scientist involved in study.