Madhya Pradesh has been pioneer in country since pre-Independence era. First forest action plan in the country was chalked out by Madhya Pradesh in year 1894, which was replicated by other States.
This was stated by Forest Minister Gaurishankar Shejwar while addressing one-day seminar on forestry and wildlife at the Academy of Administration here today. ACS Forests Deepak Khandekar, outgoing PCCF and Chief for Forest Force Narendra Kumar retiring today and incoming PCCF and Chief for Forest Force Animesh Shukla were also present on the occasion.
Officers of all Regional Forest Circles, Research Extension and Action Plan units and officers of Chief Conservator of Forests rank posted in National Parks are attending the seminar. Discussions were held at the seminar on preservation of rivers, especially plantation along banks of Kshipra and Narmada, conservation and augmentation of forests and near-extinct species of wildlife, drinking water facility for vultures, plantation through Forest Management Committees etc. Strategy for future will be chalked out on the basis of conclusions of the seminar.
The Minister said that process to conserve rivers in the state, especially Narmada and Kshipra is beginning this year. Forest Department will have significant role in it. The Minister said that Forest Department has been undertaking remarkable works towards conservation and augmentation of forests and wildlife, saving forests and near-extinct wildlife, eco-tourism and implementation of Forests Rights Act. Shejwar said that other departments should also be involved in river conservation drive which prevents rivers to be polluted.
Chief Secretary Anthony DeSa said that through their challenging duties, forest officers have carved identity of Madhya Pradesh in country and abroad. He hoped that concrete conclusions will be drawn during today's brainstorming to chalk out a concrete strategy. DeSa said that the scheme will be finalized within a month. PCCF Narendra Kumar said that e-payment short tenders will be introduced as pilot project in some districts.
The Minister released CD 'Bacha lo Dharti Ka Shringar' focusing on environmental and forest conservation. The CD compiled by CCF Shri Sharad Gaur contains 9 songs rendered by Rajni Kori.