Punjab to double forest cover by 2017

Moga, Apr 3 (UNI) Punjab government has formulated an ambitious plan to raise its forest area from six per cent to 15 per cent by 2017, forest and wildlife minister Tikshan Sood said here today.

Forest department has chalked out a programme to undertake aforestation over an area of 11000 hectares and to supply 21 lakh sapplings to the people with the financial outlay of Rs 74.67 crore during the year 2007-08, Mr Sood said while chairing a meeting of the forest range officers here.

The minister directed the forest department officials to take immediate steps for the plantation of Tahli treees on both sides of 65 km Moga Kotkapura road which has been widened whereas about 6000 trees were felled following widening of the road.

The Forest Minister also gave his nod to a proposal for the development of existing 25 acres eco-friendly forestry park and opening it to the people for a morning walk.

UNI