Govt focusing on expansion of green cover: Lal Singh

Minister for Forests Ch Lal Singh addressing a gathering at Kathua on Sunday.
Minister for Forests Ch Lal Singh addressing a gathering at Kathua on Sunday.

Excelsior Correspondent
KATHUA, Aug 6: Minister for Forests, Environment and Ecology, Ch Lal Singh said that the Government is according focused attention on improvement and expansion of green cover in the State for maintaining ecological balance which is pre-requisite for human survival.
He said this while addressing people during a public grievances redressal camp here today.
The responsibility of plantation not only lies on the Government but it must be a collective effort on part of all stakeholders so that the mission of making a model forest State can be achieved, the Minister added. He appealed people to actively organize and participate in plantation drives during the period of monsoon to make it a regular activity. He said the Forest Ministry has undertaken the task of mass plantation on an unprecedented mode.
Lal Singh said civil society should also come forward to make plantation drive a regular affair in their near vicinity. Parks and sideways can be utilized to plant trees which can be a big contribution towards maintaining ecological balance, the Minister asserted.
Earlier, deputations from different parts of the district apprised the Minister of their problems and demands.
The Minister gave patient hearing to the projected issues and passed on spot directions to the officers for the redressal of the same.
ADC Basohli Sanjay Gupta, ACR Kathua Jitedra Mishra, senior officers of Forest Department, district and tehsil level officers and large number of people were present on the occasion.