Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Uma Bharti has exhorted scientists of the Forest Research Institute to help in the restoration of ecological and spiritual aspects of Ganga rejuvenation.
The Minister showed keen interest in the research activities of the institute particularly with respect to the Himalayan ecosystem. She sought the expertise of the institute to help in restoration of ecological and spiritual aspects as part of Ganga rejuvenation efforts.
Addressing the officers of Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) and FRI, she appreciated the role played by the institute in addressing various problems of the Himalayas and its people and emphasized on involving the rural masses in restoring the over exploited eco system and addressing pollution in the Ganga.
She also stressed on the need for local community oriented development through cultivation and processing of medicinal and aromatic plants. The Minister invited the FRI to play a significant role towards achieving the goal of restoration of Himalayan eco system and tackling pollution in the Ganga river.
The ICFRE director general Dr Ashwani Kumar and FRI director Dr PP Bhojvaid were among those who guided the Minister to the institute’s convocation hall, timber and non wood forest products museums.
She appreciated the architecture of the institute building and the facilities there. The ICFRE DG and FRI director also briefed her about the activities of ICFRE and the institute.