Protection of forests govt priority: Minister

Our Correspondent

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Kangra, February 24

Industries Minister Bikram Thakur said the protection and promotion of forests and natural wealth was the priority of the state government and responsibility of all state residents.

He said this during the foundation stone-laying ceremony of a forest guard cottage at Nature Park in Sadwan on Sunday. He said forests, nature and wildlife gave Himachal a special place not only in the country but in the world too. He said due to its natural wealth, lakhs of tourists visited the state every year, which generated employment for people living here.

He said about 67 per cent of the total area of the state was under forest cover so the state could generate income from the promotion and protection of forests and nature. He said many schemes had been started by the state government for the conservation of forests and promotion of ecotourism.

The minister said the Nature Park to be built at Sadwan would cost Rs 25 lakh and would be made for the people of all age groups.

The minister said the forest guard cottage, to be built at a cost of Rs 10 lakh, would help in monitoring this dense forest and provide residential facilities for forest guards near the forests.

Later, under the Srinivas Ramanujan Student Digital Scheme, Bikram Thakur distributed laptops among 100 meritorious students of various schools of Jaswan Paragpur and Dehra Assembly constituencies at Dadasiba.

He said Information and Communication Technology laboratories had been started in 2,137 schools through smart classrooms. He said approval had been granted to start smart classes in 1,800 more schools.

Industries Minister also laid the foundation stone of Shivshakti Community Building at Dadasiba. The minister also heard grievances of the people.