Special scheme to increase forest cover and development of forest villages

Bhopal: Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan has directed to chalk out a special scheme to increase forest cover and development of forest villages in the state. Chief Minister Shri Chouhan was reviewing activities of the Forest Department here today. Forest Minister Shri Sartaj Singh, Minister of State for Forests Shri Jaisingh Marawi and Chief Secretary Shri R. Parasuram were also present on the occasion.
Chief Minister Shri Chouhan said that the Forest Minister should undertake aerial survey for forest areas alongwith departmental officers. Afforestation schemes should be chalked out on priority in those areas, which have its potential. It should be ensured that all the eligible forest dwellers are given forest land rights pattas. Skill development programmes should be started to make employment available to forest dwellers. Awareness to be created about safety of anwla plants : Chief Minister Shri Chouhan directed to launch awareness campaign for safety of anwla and achar plants. It was informed at the meeting that species of anwla has been endangered as a result of cutting of its small trees. The Chief Minister also directed to chalk out Wildlife Safari Scheme. He also directed to pay special attention to training of the Forest Department’s field staff.
Pay special attention to tusser production: Chief Minister Shri Chouhan said that special attention should be paid to tusser production in the state since it provided direct employment to forest dwellers. He also gave consent to the proposal of Kusumi Lakh’s production on trees of ‘ber’. The Chief Minister directed to withdraw petty cases against tribals except serious forest crimes.
Herbal medicines to be available at Sanchi Parlours: It was informed at the meeting that maintenance of 12 lakh 46 thousand hectare area is underway in the state. The Forest Department has posted information about plantations on the departmental website. So far, one lakh 69 thousand forest rights pattas have been distributed in the state. Disposal of tendupatta collectors’ 4,526 insurance cases has also been done. The department is chalking out a scheme for tourists’ visit to the forests, which are outside the periphery of wildlife protected areas. State’s first sky jumping centre will be established near Bhopal. Principal Secretary Forests Shri B.P. Singh, Secretary to Chief Minister Shri Hari Ranjan Rao, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Shri R.K. Dave and other departmental officers were present on the occasion.