As many as 102 additional Gram Panchayats of the State will be brought under the ambit of Mid Himalaya Watershed Development Project in second phase by spending Rs. 235.75 crore.Forest Minister Thakur Singh Bharmauri disclosed this here today while presiding over the review meeting of Mid Himalaya Watershed Development Project. He said the second phase of the project would be implemented for three years till March, 2016. The first phase of this project started in October, 2005 and was completed on 31 March, 2013. As many as 602 Gram Panchayats were covered during the first phase by spending Rs. 365 crore. With inclusion of 102 additional panchayats, around 13 lakh people of 704 panchayats would be benefited under the project.
Forest Minister said the emphasis had been given to revive the natural resources under this project with a view to increase production capacity which would help in strengthening rural economy. Special attention was being given for uplift of the people of tribal areas and 4530 flock management training camps had been organized under tribal work plan in the State.
He said that effective steps had been taken for effective implementation of the project and maintaining ecological balance. He directed for minimum use of cement and concrete in watershed activities and said that plantation drive would be carried on mass level.The Vice Chairperson, Forest Development Corporation Shri Kewal Singh Pathania, Chief Project Director of the Project Shri Avtar Singh and other senior officers were present in the meeting.