Himchal to review export policy for Khair wood

Shimla, Feb 29 (UNI) Himachal Pradesh Forest Minister J P Nadda today said that policy for exporting Khair wood would be reviewed so that the local farmers could be facilitated and the interests of the state could be protected.

Mr Nadda while addressing the senior officers of the Forest Department in a meeting held here today, said that decision would also be taken soon regarding the rights of ownership on the trees grown on uncultivated land after considering all related aspects in consultation with Revenue Department.

He said that state would also relax the condition on export of 'Kuth' and would take effective steps for proper management and exploitation of herbal plants.

The Forest Minister said that Himachal Pradesh had immense potential in eco-tourism and it could generate self-employment avenues for unemployed youth.

He said that State Government had decided to set up Primate Protection Parks and Sterilization Centres in the state to tackle the problem of monkey menace. He said that these centers would be made operational within six months and a target had been set up for sterilizing 5000 monkeys in two years in each centre.

UNI XC PS VN1817