The Punjab Government led by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is fully committed to undertake every step aimed at increasing the forest cover in the State besides striving for a clean and green environment.
The Punjab State Forest Development Corporation is an important player in this mission. These views were expressed by the Forest and Wildlife Preservation Minister Mr. Lal Chand Kataruchak while presiding over a meeting with the Regional Managers of the corporation at the Forest Complex in sector 68, Mohali.
The Minister expressed satisfaction that in the present year the Corporation has netted an income of Rs. 44 crore in the first 9 months only while the last year's figure stood at Rs. 40 crore.
The officers of the Corporation apprised the Minister about various new projects such as vermicompost system at Bathinda division which on one hand would lead to augmenting the income of the corporation and on the other hand it would be eco friendly too.
Apart from this, RCC pillars to protect forest area, preparing tree guards for maintenance of trees besides top quality wooden crates have been initiated also.
Laying stress on the total transparency in the functioning of the department, the Minister directed the officials to go strict and take strong action against anybody indulging in malpractices besides making recovery from the erring persons.
He also exhorted the officers to ensure compliance with the rules regarding the tendering process. The Minister made it clear that the Punjab Government has adopted zero tolerance attitude towards corruption.
Among others present on the occasion included the Chairman Punjab State Forest Development Corporation Rakesh Puri, PCCF R.K. Mishra and Chief General Manager Geetanjli.