Haryana to bring new forest policy

Bhiwani, June 23 (UNI) The Haryana government is formulating a new forest policy, Minister of State for Forests Kiran Choudhry said today.

''The new policy will be implemented very soon in the state,'' Ms Choudhry said after laying the foundation stone of a multipurpose hall at Baya Tourist Complex here.

She said a massive campaign would be launched by the Forests Department to encourage the people to participate in tree plantation programmes.

She said various cultural, educational and other competitive programmes would be organised in the rural areas to inspire the local people to contribute towards making such campaigns a huge success.

A state level 'Van Mahotsav' would be organised here on July 15 where a massive tree plantation programme would be initiated on this day.

To a question, the Forests Minister said any irregularity on the part of any officer in the implementation of the tree plantation programme would be dealt strongly and a stern action would be taken against such erring officers.

To another question, Ms Choudhry said that two drains, involving an expenditure of Rs 27 crore, would soon be constructed in Bhiwani district.

She said Bhiwani-Ghaggar drain would be constructed at an expenditure of Rs 21 crore whereas the construction of Mitathal-Ghuskani drain would incur an expenditure of Rs six crore.

The completion of these drains would help in protecting the area during floods, besides helping in raising the level of ground water table. Water from these drains would also be used in irrigation of arid areas, she added.

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