Chhattisgarh has a total of 35 thousand 534 wetlands, out of which 7 thousand 711 are wetlands with an area of more than 2.25 hectares and 27 thousand 823 wetlands of less than 2.25 hectares. The area of all these wetlands is 3 lakh 37 thousand 966 hectare, which is 2.5 percent of the geographical area of the state. It is worth mentioning that wetlands are considered very suitable for ecological and healthy environment. According to the intention of the Chief Minister Shri Bhupesh Baghel, action is on by preparing an action plan for the development of wetlands in the state in a phased manner. This information was given in the meeting of Chhattisgarh State Wetland Authority held at Mantralaya Mahanadi Bhawan, Nava Raipur under the chairmanship of Forest and Climate Change Minister Shri Mohammad Akbar. In the meeting, under the first phase of the action plan, a detailed discussion was held for the coordinated development of the naturally available wetlands in the state. On this occasion, Parliamentary Secretary Shri Chandradev Rai, Chief Secretary Shri Amitabh Jain, Principal Secretary Shri Manoj Kumar Pinguwa, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Forest Force Chief Shri Rakesh Chaturvedi, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Shri P.V. Narsing Rao, Secretary Forest Shri Prem Kumar, Member State Planning Commission Shri K. Subramaniam, Member Secretary, State Wetland Authority, Shri Arun Pandey and senior officers were present. While discussing in the meeting, important decision was taken to include naturally available wetlands under the first phase of the action plan for the development of wetlands in the state. During this, along with preparing the list of natural wetlands in the state, discussions were also held regarding preparing their inventory etc. Apart from this, discussions were held regarding the work of the newly constituted Chhattisgarh State Wetland Authority and selection of specialist institutions to prepare an action plan for conservation and management of major wetlands of the state. In the meeting, creation of new budget item for the works related to conservation and promotion of wetland for Chhattisgarh State Wetland Authority and CG in the authority. The selection of Principal Chief Conservator of Forest and Forest Force Chief Chhattisgarh and Scientist ‘E1’ Dr. P. Kaviswar was approved in two members to co-opt the scientists of the cast. Apart from this, there was also a discussion regarding the formation of district level committees for carrying out the field works for the conservation of wetlands of the state. Special Secretary Shri J.P. Pathak, Director Shri N.S. Nag, Director Smt. Chandan Tripathi and senior officers of various departments were also present. Like this:Like Loading… Continue Reading