STAFF REPORTER
GUWAHATI: Assam's Forest Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary has said that a series of activities are being planned for reforestation of lost forest areas by shifting the human residents from there to other areas with payment of adequate compensation. He also said that steps are being mulled with consultation with the Education Department to include lessons on forest and wildlife protection in the textbooks of lower and upper primary classes.
Speaking at the state-level function of 68th Wildlife Week organized by Forest Department at the NEDFi Auditorium in the city on Friday, Patowary said, "Assam has always been blessed with abundant wildlife, forests and biodiversity. But modern times have posed a challenge to effectively protect our greenery and wildlife. For that, the Forest Department must inculcate discipline and high work ethic to reforest those areas that we have lost due to human habitation so that man-animal conflicts can be reduced."
The Minister laid emphasis on innovation and research-based action by the Forest Department and urged departmental officials to work towards increasing the forest cover in the state. He also advocated planting of trees of fruits like banana, which elephants prefer to eat, within the forest lands so that these animals do not need to come out in search of food. This will reduce the incidents of man-animal conflict, Patowary said.
Referring to state Budget's target of increasing Assam's forest cover to 38 per cent from the existing 36 per cent, Patowary urged all levels of officers of Forest Department to work dedicatedly to achieve this target. He also remarked that species like the greater adjutant stork, vulture etc., are on the verge of extinction because of human actions and called for concerted efforts to generate public awareness in this regard.
During the event, the Forest Minister also distributed prizes to the winners of photography, drawing and quiz competitions organized among school students. He further felicitated several forest officials for their dedicated service. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) and Head of Forest Force MK Yadav, PCCF Wildlife Alindya Swargiyari and other forest officials of various ranks were also present on the occasion.
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