Saturday, 12 June 2021 | PNS | Dehradun
Chief minister Tirath Singh Rawat has directed the forest department to remove invasive weed species like lantana from forest areas and plant native grasses, bamboo and fruit trees. This activity is to be undertaken in mission mode to enhance the quality of the forests.
The wildlife habitat should be developed as per the requirements of the wild fauna.The principal chief conservator of forests (head of forest force) Rajiv Bhartari has issued instructions to all the divisional forest officers in this regard. Bhartari said that lantana has spread across thousands of acres in forest areas which has affected the native grass species.
A work plan should be prepared for removing lantana and grass nursery should be established. A sum of Rs 38 crore has been approved from Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) for this purpose. Replacing lantana with native grass species will not only improve the quality of the jungles but will provide employment to about 5,000 people, added the PCCF.
