Sunday, 22 January 2023 | PNS | DEHRADUN
The Forest department should fix a target of its contribution to the State’s development and move forward on it in time for 2025 when the State will mark 25 years of its creation. Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said this after inaugurating the annual meet of the Indian Forest Service Association here on Saturday. He expressed hope that the department officers will deliberate on the solution to various issues related to forests and environment in the State during their annual meet.
Dhami said, “Along with environment conservation, making people aware about it is also an important responsibility of the department. During the Chintan Shivir held in Mussoorie earlier, the Forest department had been told to prepare a detailed plan to prevent damage to agriculture from monkeys and other wild animals in the State. I hope that the department is working swiftly in this direction.” He further said that special focus should be laid on linking the livelihood of people with forests. He stressed on the need for effective measures for mitigating human-wildlife conflict, preventing forest fires with public participation and strengthening the Van Panchayats. Referring to the rich biodiversity of Uttarakhand, the CM said that focus should also be laid on increasing revenue through forest wealth.
The Forest minister Subodh Uniyal stressed on the need for consistent efforts to facilitate enhancement of livelihood through proper use of the forest wealth. He said, “Environmental balance is the biggest concern in the world. The Forest department will have to play a vital role in environmental protection and raising public awareness on the same.” He also appreciated the efforts of the department for the increase in the forest area in the State.
The principal chief conservator of forests Vinod Kumar Singhal, PCCF (Wildlife) Samir Sinha, PCCF (Van Panchayat) Jyotsana Sitling, IFS association chief Kapil Lal and other officers were also among those present on the occasion.
