Uttarakhand is a forest-rich state. Therefore, forests should be linked to the economy. In this episode, eco-tourism activities will be promoted around forest areas in the state by maintaining a balance between economy and ecology. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said this in the meeting of the State Wildlife Board at the Secretariat on Thursday. For this, he directed the officials to prepare a detailed action plan for the next 10 years. In the meeting, 23 proposals for transfer of forest land for various works including mining within a radius of 10 km of protected areas were approved. Chief Minister Dhami said that along with the conservation of forests in the state, special efforts are needed to link forest wealth with the livelihood of the people. For this, the Forest Department and the Finance Department will have to take steps. He said that there are many forest rest houses under the Forest Department. Efforts should be made to increase revenue by maintaining them keeping in mind the convenience of tourists. Referring to human-wildlife conflict, he said that along with taking effective steps to prevent it, digital tracking system should be implemented for quick compensation distribution. He also gave instructions to speed up the work related to construction of Zoo and Safari in Haldwani and renovation of the world famous Chaurasi Kuti under Rajaji Tiger Reserve. He also emphasized on innovation in forest areas.
Forest Minister Subodh Uniyal said that there is a need to work continuously towards the right use of forest wealth and linking it with livelihood in Uttarakhand, which is important from the point of view of biodiversity. He also emphasized on developing new destinations for eco tourism. Out of the 23 proposals approved in the meeting, 20 are related to mining. These will now be sent to the National Wildlife Board for approval. It was decided to test two road proposals.
MLA Banshidhar Bhagat, Diwan Singh Bisht, Principal Secretary Forest RK Sudhanshu, DGP Deepam Seth, Forest Department Chief Dr Dhananjay Mohan, Chief Forest Conservator Wildlife RK Mishra, Secretary Dr BVRCC Purushottam, Neeraj Khairwal along with other officers and board members were present in the meeting.
