Chunni Lal Bhagat reiterates resolve to make Punjab abundant with greenery

Chandigarh, February 25, 2015: The Forest and Wildlife Minister, Punjab, Chunni lal Bhagat today reiterated the resolve of the Government of Punjab to make Punjab a state abundant with greenery. He said that the Govt. has taken a wonderful initiative in the form of 'Greener Punjab Mission’ which will try to bring the as much as possible area of the state under green cover.

The Minister further elaborated that the state govt. is mulling taking the measures which will increase the area of state under forest from the present level of 7 percent to 15 percent. He also said that the government under this mission has planned to plant scores of saplings each year throughout the state. The lifespan of the mission will be 8 years. He said that in the current financial year the department has earmarked an area of about 20,000 hectare in which saplings will be planted. He further stated that nurseries will also set up for cloned plants of Popular.

The Minister while further elaborating said that during the current financial year the department has given a facelift to the forest beats falling within in the state so as to bring maximum area under their cover. He said that the department has surveyed many villages of the state to explore the possibility concerning free land holdings belonging to other departments and also village panchyats, so that this mission could be given further impetus. ‘To ensure the smooth working of the department. The Minister said that to protect the various areas in the state falling under green cover the state government has also recruited adequate number of forest guards.

He said that during recent past the department has been successful in planting a large number of saplings which were produced in the 252 nurseries of the state.