Chandigarh, July 17:
Announcing a slew of ambitious projects aimed at making environment cleaner and greener, the Forest and Wildlife Preservation Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak today revealed the launching of a pilot project involving plantation of flowery saplings on both sides of the highways. A State level special committee would oversee the project and conduct reviews at regular intervals.
Initially to be implemented in 5 Districts namely Ropar (With special emphasis on SriAnandpur Sahib), Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar (Focussing on the area around the ancestral village of Shaheed Bhagat Singh at Khatkar Kalan), Sangrur, Pathankot and Amritsar, the project envisages planting of saplings at 500 meters distance on both right & left hand sides of the highways in these districts. Those saplings would be planted which don’t grow above the height of 5, 6 & 7 feet.
Proper care would be taken to ensure that the saplings remain in healthy condition, said the Minister while interacting with the mediapersons at the Punjab Bhawan. Besides, the fencing work would also be undertaken so as to save the saplings from stray animals.
Divulging more, Mr. Kataruchak added that this project would lead towards making the surroundings a lot cleaner. The work would also ensure employment opportunities to the people under MGNREGA, added the Minister.
Unveiling the second significant plan, the Minister disclosed that in order to sensitize the present generation towards the Protection of Trees and Environment, Declamation and Poetry contests based on this theme would commence at Batala from July 23rd on the birth Anniversary of noted poet Shiv Kumar Batalvi who was known for his live of nature. These contests would be held over a period of one month and would be held across Four categories viz. Primary (Class I to V), Secondary (VI to X), Senior Secondary (XI and XII) and College going students.
Elaborating more, Mr. Kataruchak said that the winners from preliminary part of these contests would showcase their skills at the State level. Those winning the first three positions at State level in each of the four categories would be rewarded with the prizes of Rs. 51,000, Rs. 31,000 and Rs. 21,000 respectively. To be conducted under the aegis of Education Department, these contests would have eminent personalities of Punjabi literature as judges.
Replying to a query, the Minister apprised that the Forest area has increased under the present State Government. Quoting facts, Mr. Kataruchak revealed that in 2021 the forest area was 3144.47 Square Kilometers while in 2023, it has expanded to 3321.24 Square Kilometres.
Among others present on the occasion included the Secretary Forests and Wildlife Preservation Department Mr. Priyank Bharti, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Head of Forest Force) Mr. Dharminder Sharma and Conservator of Forests (Shivalik Circle) Mr. Kannan.
