Tree patches outside recorded forest areas to be identified in Aravallis

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, April 18

State Forests and Environment Minister Capt Abhimanyu has said potential forest areas in the Aravalli hills outside the recorded forests will soon be identified on the basis of the criteria developed by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change approved by the Supreme Court.

In a statement issued here today, Capt Abhimanyu said the exercise would be undertaken by an expert committee. “Until the Supreme Court approves the criteria for further identification of forests in the country, Mangar Bani and other such areas in the Aravallis are being kept under the category of ‘status to be decided’,” he said.

The delineation of the Natural Conservation Zone in the NCR and the Aravalli areas is being done by the Town and Country Planning Department through Deputy Commissioners.

The areas presently recorded reserved, protected and unclassed forests areas under Section 4 and 5 of the Punjab Land Preservation Act, 1900, are being reflected in the Natural Conservation Zone, besides areas closed under Section 38 of IFA and wildlife sanctuaries and national parks.

The Forests and Environment Minister reiterated that the state government was committed to protecting and developing forests, wildlife and biodiversity in the state.