Efforts will be undertaken to boost the plantation of native flora. The number of plant nurseries will also be increased especially to encourage nurseries operated by women. These and other decisions were taken at a meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Shatrughna Singh to review the status of Van Panchayats in the State here on Tuesday.
Addressing departmental officials, the Chief Secretary said that the flora found in abundance in particular valleys will be nurtured. He asked officials to prepare a development action plan after identifying areas with presence of species like the Chyura (Indian butter tree), Pangar (chestnut), Kaphal, walnut, Tejpaat, rhododendron, oak, gooseberry, curry leaves and other traditionally growing flora of the region. Singh directed that the number of nurseries be increased, apart from which the nurseries run by women will be encouraged in particular. The prices of the plants will be decided upon in addition to which buy back guarantee will also be given.
Officials informed during the meeting that presently there are a total of 12,089 Van Panchayats in the State. A total area of about 5.45 lakh hectare comes under the management of the Van Panchayats.
The officials further spoke of measures and schemes aimed at strengthening of the Van Panchayats, development of pasture lands, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) funded project, national afforestation programme, establishment of nurseries run by women.
Under the Chief Minister’s scheme for improving the condition of Van Panchayats, measures are being taken for facilitating the densification of Panchayat forests along with fodder development to promote the animal husbandry activity.
Issues like Soil wealth, water conservation and facilitating employment to the local unemployed youth through appointment of Van Panchayat guards and assistants were also discussed.