Bid to conserve forest and wildlife in Rajasthan

‘Hunting, poaching and illegal mining should be stopped forthwith’

JAIPUR: Rajasthan Forest and Environment Minister Pratap Singh Singhvi on Monday underlined the need for enhancing the role of village forest protection and management committees in conservation of flora and fauna and development of forests.

Presiding over a review meeting of the Forest Department here, Mr. Singhvi said the meetings of village committees would be held at least once every month to associate their members with the State Government’s programmes for forest and wildlife conservation.

Mr. Singhvi examined the scope for development of eco-tourism, medical plantation and development of corridors for the security of wild animals while reviewing the department’s progress.

“Fencing of areas inhabited by wild animals is a feasible step to ensure their safety and enable the people to watch them in natural surroundings,” he said.

The Minister said hunting, poaching and illegal mining should be stopped forthwith and action taken for punishing those held on these charges.

He said the State Government would shortly launch action for development of biological parks and a safe stay of migratory birds in the wildlife sanctuaries.

Industrial use

Mr. Singhvi said the options for industrial use of marble slurry should be explored to prevent pollution caused by it in the forest areas.

Among others, Principal Environment Secretary R. R. Haldia, Forest Secretary P. S. Mehra, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Abhijit Ghosh and State Pollution Control Board’s Member Secretary A. S. Brar attended the meeting.