Forest and Climate Change Minister Shri Mohammad Akbar took the final review of the preparations for the development exhibition organized by the Forest Department at the Science College ground today. MP Shri Rahul Gandhi will inaugurate and visit the exhibition tomorrow on 3rd February and discuss with selected beneficiaries. In the exhibition, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, the works and achievements made by the Forest Department of the State Government for the welfare of the forest dwellers have been displayed through beautiful photographs. The Forest Department has played an important role in providing employment to the people at the local level even during the Corona period. It is noteworthy that the Forest Department has provided employment of more than 1 crore 24 lakh man-days of permanent nature and more than 379 crore 58 lakh man-days of temporary nature through various schemes in the state in the last three years. Their income has been ensured by the Forest Department alone, providing 3 lakh 45 thousand permanent and 10 lakh 55 thousand temporary jobs every month. The path has been made green and beautiful by planting 1 lakh 69 thousand saplings on the 570 km long path of Ram Van Gaman Path. About 27 lakh saplings have been planted in an area of 2,688 hectares on the banks of rivers. Narwas have been revived by constructing various water structures under CAMPA scheme. The collection and employment of minor forest produce has given a strong base to the rural economy of the state. The collection rate of tendu leaves has been increased from Rs. 2 thousand 500 per standard bag to Rs. 4 thousand by the present government. This has directly benefited about 13 lakh collecting families. From the year 2018, the scope of purchase of minor forest produce on support price in the state has also been increased to 60 at present. The members of 47 thousand 850 women self-help groups have been benefitted by their collection work. The live display of the activities of Van Dhan Vikas Kendras is shown in an attractive manner in the exhibition. On this occasion, Principal Secretary, Forest Department Shri Manoj Kumar Pingua, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Chief Forest Force Shri Rakesh Chaturvedi, Managing Director State Minor Forest Produce Cooperative Federation Shri Sanjay Shukla, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Shri P.V. Top officials of the forest department including Narsigrao were present. Like this:Like Loading… Continue Reading