Srinagar, May 10: Emphasising need for undertaking further measures for protection of forest areas in the state, Minister for Forest, Mian Altaf Ahmad has said that this would help preserve the rich flora and fauna. He added that the demarcated forest land is to be protected and got rid of all encroachments.
 The Minister was chairing a high level meeting here today held to discuss issues related to Forest and Wildlife departments. The main focus was particularly on the functioning of these departments in Tangmarg constituency.
 Minister for Agriculture,   Ghulam Hassan Mir was also present on the occasion.
 The Forest Minister said that distribution of timber among the consumers would start from first of June this year. He said that against target of 29500 cft in ‘A’ and ‘B’ zones of Tangmarg area, 27250 cft timber was provided to the consumer and rest of the timber is lying in various depots for distribution among allotees. In ‘C’ Zone, 35350 cft was provided to the consumers which included 19450 cft provided by State Forest Corporation.
 Mian Altaf Ahmad exhorted the officials to work with added zeal and dedication adding that conservation and rejuvenation of forests is being accorded more attention.
 On this occasion, Minister for Agriculture,   Ghulam Hassan Mir underscored need for infrastructure development like providing of mobility and communication besides trained manpower to check man-animal conflict. He said government is paying due attention to the development of tourism related activities and said that rich flora and fauna can be an added attraction for the visitors.
 Among others, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests,   Jagdish Kehswan, Chief Conservator of Forests,   Shafaat Ahmad, Regional Wildlife Warden,   Farooq Geelani and other senior officers of Forest and Wildlife departments attended the meeting.

Lastupdate on : Mon, 10 May 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Mon, 10 May 2010 18:30:00 GMT
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