Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has said that Madhya Pradesh has immense reserves of forest, mineral and water resources. It shares 13 percent of the country’s forests. Dense forests are continuously increasing. He said that Madhya Pradesh is a Tiger State. He heartily congratulated the Forest Department for thier efforts to keep it a Tiger State.
He said that we are also Leopard and Alligator State. The Chief Minister was addressing inauguration ceremony of Rs 180 crore Van Bhawan at Tulsi Nagar here today.
A conference of forest personnel and forest committees was also organized on this occasion. Forest Minister Dr. Kunwar Vijay Shah, Revenue and Transport Minister Govind Singh Rajput, Chairman Madhya Pradesh State Forest Development Corporation Madho Singh, Additional Chief Secretary Forest J.N. Consotia, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Chief of Forest Force Ramesh Kumar Gupta along with senior officers of the Forest Department were present.
Chouhan said that forests sustain the economic life of the forest dwellers. Now there are 785 tigers in the state. Twelve lions, white tigers are also dwelling. New records have been achieved in the field of forestry. Bamboo clusters are being developed. The cooperation of the Forest Department in implementing the PESA rules is commendable. Slippers, shoes, flasks, sarees and umbrellas are being given to tendu leaf collectors.
The Chief Minister said that we have made forests a boon for the people. The newly constructed Van Bhawan is a complete green building, in which full care has been taken for air, water and light. This building will inspire the staff. There will be no dearth of space for the departmental works. Every effort will be made to improve the lives of those who protect forests.
The Chief Minister said that protection of wildlife is a pious act. It is endeavor of the state government to preserv forests, so that the emission of oxygen takes place on a large scale, and the state becomes the “Oxygen Hub”.
Chouhan said that there is a deep connection between forests and forest dwellers. Efforts will be made to ensure prosperity in their lives through forests. Human life is not possible without forests. The earth belongs to all living beings. Environmental protection is necessary to maintain it. Commendable work has been done for protection of environment in Madhya Pradesh.
The Forest Minister Shah said that under the supervision of Chief Minister Chouhan, the conservation and promotion of forests is going on excellently. Chouhan plants a sapling everyday, which is a source of inspiration for us. The Forest Department is making efforts to stop the use of plastic. Pickup vehicles have been handed over to forest committees. Provision has been made for financial assistance on death due to wild animals.
Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Forest Force Chief Ramesh Kumar Gupta said that every effort will be done in providing benefits of the welfare schemes to the needy. Additional Chief Secretary Forest J.N. Kansotia said that the department is dedicated to the conservation and promotion of forests. All activities will be conducted from Van Bhawan and we will be on top in every task.
