Foresters first duty was to protect forests said Forest Minister
Hamirpur, August 2 (QNN)
Rakesh Pathania Forest Minister said that the Protection of green cover and Promotion of forest tourism would be a priority here today. He said that this would boost both the economy and revenue to the state exchequer. Rakesh Pathania was on his maiden visit to the district after his induction in the state cabinet ministry. He said that the forests in the state had biggest potential and that need to tapped to make best use of forest resources.
“Let’s sell forests without harming forests”, said Rakesh Pathania. He said that protection of forest and wild life would help in conservation of flora and fauna in the state. He said that state had rich forest cover and efforts need to increasing the forest cover.
He said that proposed to make a coffee table book on best forest destinations in the state that would include forest huts, inspection huts, rest houses, nature parks and virgin destinations.
Rakesh Pathania said that Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur had entrusted with responsibility of Forest and Sports departments and he would do his bests for the welfare of sports and protection of forests in the state. He said that he was thankful to the senior leadership of BJP who relied on his capacity to hold the responsibility.
Also holding sports portfolio he said that new sports policy would be framed in two months. He said that he would recommend to give extra marks to sports persons for their participation in state and national level tournaments. He said that a talent hunt programme would be stared to identify sports potential at the school level.
Speaking to forest authorities FM said that he would not tolerate any laxity in execution of government programmes. He said that the first duty of forester was protection of forests. He said that encroachments on forest land should be dealt strictly. He also ordered to act as per law in some cases presented to him today and asked forest officers to immediate remove the encroachments. He said that no one was above law neither the department nor the minister and rules must be adhered.
Narender Thakur MLA, Pardeep Thakur Director HP state forest corporation, Anil Joshi Chief Conservatory, Arji Sen Thakur Superintendent of Police, CL thakur SDM, LC bandana DFO, Rahul Rahane DFO wildlife, RK Dogra DFO Dehra, and Puran Chand Incharge District sports office were also present
Earlie, Forest Minister Rakesh Pathania visited Sameer pur to meet former Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal. He said that the visit was to seek blessings of senior leaders. He said that he met Shanta kumar yesterday and would visit new Delhi to meet National President JP Nadda and other senior leaders. He said that he would also meet union minister for forest and environment to appraise him of the progrmmes planned for the development of forest cover in the state.
Meanwhile he had given a clear and loud message to the forest authorities that he wanted professional performance.