Process for recruitment of 2061 Van Mitras completed, says Sukhu
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today said that the process for the recruitment of 2061 Van Mitras in the Forest department has been completed on merit basis.
While reviewing the schemes of the Forest Department here today, the Chief Minister said that the state government is strengthening the Forest Department to ensure better functioning. “With the appointment of these Van Mitras, the functioning of the department would be streamlined while helping to curb illicit felling of trees in forest areas,” he said.
He said vacant posts in the department are being filled up which will go a long way in protecting forest wealth. “The recruitment process of 200 Assistant Forest Guards is also in the pipeline,” he said. He also congratulated the Forest Department for their efforts in enhancing the forest cover in the state.
Sukhu said the state government is also making earnest efforts to protect the forest from forest fires. “During the last two years, 18,000 people from the local community were registered in the rapid fire fighting force, thereby bringing the total strength to 68,000. A total of 1,496 fire watchers were also engaged during the forest fire-sensitive months in the state which has yielded positive results,” he said.
He said the state government is also promoting ecotourism activities as a means of generating employment and self-employment opportunities to the local people.
Sukhu also asked the officers to expedite plantation of barren hills and rope in local Mahila Mandals and Yuvak Mandals in the plantation and preservation of the saplings. He directed to ensure plantation of 60 per cent fruit bearing and medicinal plants in the forest areas.
