New Forest Policy to focus on biodiversity, rehabilitation of forests: Shabir

            Jammu, March 31 (Scoop News) — Observing that the State’s progress lies in green gold, the Minister of State for Forests and Environment,   Shabir Ahmad Khan has said that the Government intends to take all steps for protection and promotion of rich forest treasure of the State.   

Speaking at a workshop on “Regional level public consultation on Draft State Forest Policy”, at Jammu University, the Minister said that forest cover in our State is under severe pressure for meeting the demands of timber fuel and fodder. Therefore, the need of a comprehensive Forest Policy was all the more necessary to satiate these requirements, he added. 

            The Minister said that the Government intends to frame a new Forest Policy to protect the rich environs, besides conservation and development of green gold of the State. He said in this regard a draft has been framed and kept online for valuable suggestions from the people and experts from various walks of life. He said the suggestions of the experts and others would be considered while giving final touches to the Forest Policy.

            The Minister said that conservation of bio-diversity, rehabilitation of degraded forests, checking of denudation and soil erosion would be the main objective of the new Policy.

            The Minister said that though there exists a Forest Policy at national level, the State as such do not have its own policy. He said there is a dire need to review the situation in totality and to evolve a holistic Forest Policy to cater to the needs of all stake-holders without comprising the interest of future generation.

            The Minister said that the Policy would remain a ‘statement of intent’ until it is implemented and made workable on the ground. He said this will require sincere and energetic efforts. He said the Government will encourage not only the forest department but also the local stake-holders and members of civil society. 

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