Afforestation in 20 per cent of land by 2012

Patna, Mar 20 (UNI) The Bihar government has fixed the target of covering 20 per cent of land under forests in the state by 2012.

Replying to a starred question of Congress member Professor Arun Kumar in the state legislative council, state forest and environment minister Ramchandra Sahni said only 6.67 per cent of the states geographical areas were covered under forest, but the Centre had stipulated that at least 33 per cent of geographical areas should be covered under the forest in the plateau zone, while 20 per cent in plains.

Earlier to a starred question of Mr Jagannath Rai, rural development minister Vaidyanath Prasad Mahto said the government had directed the concerned authorities for effective implementation of natioal rural employment guarantee programme.

UNI DH KK SKM1633