Minister for Forests, Environment and Ecology, Ch. Lal Singh, said that government has prioritized the protection and preservation plan of forests and wildlife by taking up systematic demarcation of forest and wildlife land across the state.The Minister, while speaking during a public grievances redressal camp at Kathua today, said that serious efforts are being initiated to preserve ecology and environment of the state.The Minister said that government has initiated a process of demarcating the Forest and Wildlife land across the State and assured that strict action would be taken against the encroachers. He said that directions have already been issued to the officials of the department that there shouldn’t be any compromise on the protection of wildlife, environment and ecology of the State.
The Minister called for a greater role of the civil society in raising awareness among the people of all sections, which would help in protecting forests and wildlife. He said that the vulnerable areas in the forests are being demarcated on priority and government is keeping a strict vigil over the forests and protected wildlife areas of the State.Lal singh also urged upon the people to take up plantation and swachhta drives to maintain healthy ambience for living.Earlier, deputations from different parts of the district apprised the Minister of their demands and problems.The Minister directed ADC Basohli to ensure time bound redressal of the issues projected by the people.DC Kathua Rishpal Singh, Ex MLA Kanta Andotra, ACR Kathua Jitendra Mishra and district officers were also present on the occasion.