Tripura CM demands amendment in Forest Conservation Act

Agartala, July 2 (UNI) Chief Minister Manik Sarkar today stressed the need of amendments in the Forest Conservation Act as adviced by the selection committee formed to look into the matter.

Inaugurating the 57th State Vanamohotsava celebration at Khowai, the Chief Minister said Tripura was the first state to oppose the Forest Conservation Act and demanded some amendment in the present Act as suggested by the selection committee.

''People living in the forest area has right over the land. How can they be displaced from the area where they have been living for ages?'' Mr Sarkar questioned .

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, the Chief Minister said the forests play an important role in keeping the environmental balance.

''Development of forest is important to improve the living standards of the people,'' he said.

He also mentioned that the state government has established nearly four hundred Joint Forest Management organisations keeping in mind the financial importance of the forests.

Mr Sarkar further informed that his government has taken steps to grow medicinal plants in the forests. ''Different Panchayats and villagers are associated with the program,'' the Chief Minister said.

Forest Minister Jitendra Chaudhury said the government was trying to engage panchayats and villages for forests development.

He further informed that medicinal plants were being established in 11 forests of the state.

Local MLA Dhirendra Reang, Sukla Sarkar, Chairperson est Tripura District Council, MLA Samir Deb Sarkar, and many other dignitories were present on the ocassion.

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