The Punjab Government led by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is leaving no stone unturned to ensure a clean and green State. Consequently, people are coming forward to contribute their bit in this noble task. These views were expressed by the Forest and Wildlife Preservation Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak at the forest complex in Sector-68 while presiding over a meeting to review the functioning of the department.
The Minister directed that the Keshopur Chhamb wetland in Gurdaspur, where migratory birds flock every year, should be developed as a tourist hub. The Minister further directed that a mandi should be developed in Hoshiarpur so as to make sure that there is direct communication between the Government and the farmers leaving no room for the exploitation of the latter at the hands of private players.
On the occasion, the Minister was also apprised that under Shaheed Bhagat Singh Haryaval Lehar, a target has been set to disburse over 51 lakh saplings out of which 35 lakh already stand distributed. Similarly, under PUNCAMPA scheme, the target is to distribute 47 lakh saplings out of which 39.5 lakh have been disbursed.
Likewise, under ‘Guru Nanak Bagichi’ scheme, there is endeavour to set up small forests of the Japanese origin sapling called ‘Mianwaki’ at 94 places and out of this, 36 places have already seen the establishment of such forests. Also, as many as 16905 Trivenis are set to be planted in the State out of which 6463 have been planted.
The Minister also directed proper upkeep of the zoos situated in the State as well as the animals kept therein as their care is very significant to maintain ecological balance.The Additional Chief Secretary cum Financial Commissioner (Forests) Raji P. Srivastava on the occasion exhorted the officers to exercise full diligence in implementing the projects connected with the department with emphasis on quality.
Among others present included the Secretary (Forests) Chander Gaind, Secretary (Forests and Wildlife) Indu Malhotra, and PCCF Ramakant Mishra.