The Chief Secretary Utpal Kumar Singh chaired a meeting with scientists and experts on the zonal master plan of the Bhagirathi eco sensitive zone. During a presentation on the forest department’s annual work work, it was stated that a geographical study had been conducted before drafting of the plan.
The studies of glaciers, lakes, water sources and ecological specialties by experts have been incorporated in the plan. Information about watershed management in 89 villages of Bhatwadi development block was also shared in the meeting. The irrigation department officials informed about the flood plain zone plan of the department for flood security. Officials concerned also informed the gathering about solid and liquid waste management, village level development plans of the rural development department, agriculture and forestry schemes for increasing the income of farmers, plans for roads and other infrastructural facilities along with schemes for encouraging tourism and eco-tourism.
Additional chief secretary Ranvir Singh, chief wildlife warden DVS Khati, noted environmentalist Chandi Prasad Bhatt, Peoples Science Institute director Ravi Chopra, scientists from Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee, National Institute of Hydrology, biodiversity board and other bodies were also among those present in the meeting.