Plant fruit trees in forests: Guv

Tribune News Service

Shimla, July 13

Forest, Transport, Youth Services and Sports Minister Govind Singh Thakur met Governor Acharya Devvrat late last evening and informed him about various activities of the Forest and Transport departments.

The Governor said maximum fruit plants should be planted in forest to provide food for wild animals and save farmers from destruction caused by wild animals. He said the Forest Department should identify species of fruits that are apt for the consumption of wild animals.

He assured his full support and participation towards plantation and road safety campaigns. He also showed his concern over recent road accidents in the state.

Transport Minister apprised the Governor about the Cabinet decision of approving the formation of Road Safety Lead Agency in Transport Directorate to strengthen road safety with the cooperation of senior officers of the Police, Education and PWD in the state. He said almost 100 additional buses were plied daily to facilitate commuters.

While providing details of plantation campaign of the Forest Department during monsoon, Thakur said nearly 17 lakh saplings were planted by masses during plantation campaigns carried for three days in the state last year.

Head of Forest Force Ajay Sharma said: “The Forest Department is making efforts to ensure 50 per cent plantation of fruit bearing plants during plantation campaigns and sandalwood plants will be provided for farmers to plant in their own land.”