K.J. Shekhar, Director General and Additional Secretary (Forest), Union Ministry of Forest and Environment called on Chief Minister Shri Virbhadra Singh here last evening and had detailed discussions on various forest related issues. Chief Minister said that out of total geographic area of the State, 66.5 percent was covered under the forest including 15 percent protected area network. He said that the powers given to the State under Forest Conservation Act should be reviewed to Special Ecological Conditions of the State to solve the various problems such as non forest use of forest land especially for construction of basic infrastructure in the natural disaster affected area.
Shri Virbhadra Singh said that Rs. 277.19 crore which were due to the State Government from Defence Ministry, in lieu of developmental activities being undertaken in Sirmaur district should be released at the earliest adding that this amount was deposited in account of Ad hoc CAMPA fund by mistake. He said that the funding being given to the State for implementing various centrally sponsored schemes should be made in lump sum. Chief Minister said that Central Government should give its approval for Rs. 25 crore under Green India Mission Afforestation Project, Rs. 26 crore under Sea Buck Thorn Project, Rs. 761 crore for Lantana Eradication Project and Rs. 200 crore for Habitat Enrichment Project under CAMPA Fund which were already submitted.Principal Chief Conservator Shri R.K. Gupta and other senior forest officers were present on the occasion.