Green fund incentive to MP For having large forest cover
Bhopal:Saturday, September 12, 2009:Updated 16:50IST The Union Minister of Forest and Environment (independent charge), Shri Jairam Ramesh has said that the Central Government and state governments would work in tandem for forest protection and conservation. He said that the Central Government is considering providing green fund incentive to states which have large forest cover and Madhya Pradesh is one of these few states. He stressed the need for implementation of the guidelines issued from time to time in letter and spirit. He had a word of praise for the forest conservation works carried out in Madhya Pradesh .
Shri Jairam Ramesh addressed a meeting of senior officers of Madhya Pradesh Forest Department at the Academy of Administration, here today.
Madhya Pradesh Minister of State for Forest (independent charge), Shri Rajendra Shukla presided over the function attended among others by Additional Chief Secretary (Forests), Shri Prashant Mehtra; Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Shri A.K. Dube; Additional Director General of Forests in Government of Madhya Pradesh, Dr. P.B. Gangopadhyay and Member-Secretary of the Tiger Authority of India, Dr. Rajesh Gopal.
Shri Jairam Ramesh stressed the need for involvement of local community in conservation of protected areas. Shri Ramesh said that the profile of the department is being changed to spur the work of forest conservation as part of which 53 posts have been upgraded. He said that Madhya Pradesh has done a commendable work in the use of information technology for conservation of forest.
By this the Chairman of the Knowledge Commission, Shri Sam Pitroda is greatly impressed and it will be replicated. He stressed the need for proper training to the forest personnel right from forest guard to the top. He also called for giving greater importance to forestry in view of its economic, social and ecological importance.
The Union Minister of State, Shri Ramesh said that the nation has set a target to bring 35 percent geographical area under forest cover and expressed happiness that Madhya Pradesh has 31 percent forest cover. He stressed the need for encouraging PPP in afforestation in denuded forest areas.
He said that Madhya Pradesh is a front runner state having a very good track record. The main problems is not that of resources but the problem is that of implementing all the schemes with efficiency and sincerity. He called upon the officers to carry out their duties without giving in to any pressure.
Madhya Pradesh Minister of State, Shri Rajendra Shukla said that definitely Madhya Pradesh has not made desired progress in certain matters but it was because of inordinate delay in decision making. However, very positive dialogue has been held with Shri Jairam and the shortcomings would be removed soon.
He said that Madhya Pradesh has taken up the matters pertaining to forest conservation with the Central Government and the Centre has assured adequate funds. Liberal assistance for Panna has also been assured by the Central Government.
He said that the state government and its officers will leave no stone unturned to achieve the national target of 33 percent forest cover. Shri Shukla expressed gratitude to Shri Jairam Ramesh for visiting Madhya Pradesh and presented a replica of Sanchi Stupa as a memento to him.
Earlier, Additional Chief Secretary, Shri Prashant Mehtra threw light on the efforts being made for the conservation of forests in Madhya Pradesh. PCCF Shri A.K. Dube delivered the welcome address.
A Power Point presentation was made before Shri Jairam Ramesh about the various aspects of Madhya Pradesh forests and the efforts being made for the protection and conservation.
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