Punjab Newsline, Shimla, March 4-
While reviewing the various schemes and projects of the Forest Department here today, CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu directed to rope in the Mahila Mandals and Yuvak Mandals, Self Help Groups and Panchayats to enhance and conserve the forest cover in the State.
He said that in lieu of their services, they would be suitably compensated and the State Government has allocated Rs. 100 crore in this regard. Additionally, they will be encouraged by offering incentives after five years depending upon the survival percentage of saplings. The Chief Minister directed to plant 60 percent of fruit trees and high value fodder species in the forest area to stop wild animals in the forest, in order to avoid damages caused by these animals to the crops of the farmers.
Sukhu said that appointment letters to the newly selected Van Mitras would be sent shortly. He said that 2033 candidates have been selected and 55 percent of the selected candidates are female. He directed the forest department to design an orientation programme for the Van Mitras to make them understand their roles and responsibilities in the department, which will commence from the first week of May this year.
