CS stresses on Assisted Natural Regeneration

DAINIK NATION BUREAU

Chief Secretary Utpal Kumar Singh said that instead of digging pits for plantation stress should be on natural regeneration. Based on the market demand, tree plantation should be done on cluster level. Trees of Chulu, Ritha, Dadim, Temla, Tejpal, Hissalu, Kaphal, Chura, Bhimal etc should be planted. This would help in enhancing the income of locals and in turn help check migration. With generation of local trees, the wild animals would also be able to get food thus decreasing man and wild animal conflict. Besides, 12000 forest panchayats of the state would get employment opportunities. He said while presiding the meeting of the steering committee of CAMPA (Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority) at secretariat on Wednesday. He stressed on ANR (Assisted Natural Regeneration).

In the meeting, for the financial year 2018-19, work plan of funds to the tune of Rs 211.30 crores was approved. Also, for the completion of the unfinished works of the year 2017-18, Rs 107 crores has been revived. From this, compensatory afforestation would be done on land measuring 3514 hectares. He also insisted that priority should be given for planting trees which bear fruits. For the soil and water conservation, 950 water bodies having different capacity have been created. 3761 Check dams and ‘Chal-Khal’ and 339 natural water resources would be revived. Contour Trench would be constructed in 3848 hectare area. In 473 hectare area, tress would be planted alongside the path. Besides, various activities of the CAT (Catchment Area Treatment) Plan would be conducted. 2147 kilometer forest motor roads, dirt road would be strengthened. Wildlife protection, forest research and forest panchayats would be strengthened. It was told in the meeting that MIS has been prepared for the assessment and monitoring of CAMPA works. Physical examination is also being done through E-Green Watch Satellite.
Those present in the meeting included Additional Chief Secretary Ranveer Singh, PCCF Jayraj, Secretary Planning Ranjit Sinha, Chief Wildlife Conservator D.B.S.Khatti, Principal Forest Conservator Planning Gambhir Singh, CEO CAMPA Sameer Sinha, Kunwar mahinder Singh from Himalayan Action and Research Centre and Joginder Bisht from Lok Chetna Manch.