Punjab to increase tree cover to 15 per cent

Chandigarh , June 7 (UNI) The Punjab Government would seek additional funding from the Japan Bank for International Corporation (JBIC), World Bank and NABARAD to increase the tree cover from 6.33 per cent to 15 per cent under the new State Forestry Action Plan.

Disclosing this, the Minister of Forest and Wild Life Preservation Tikshan Sood said that Punjab would focus on eco-tourism for promoting environmental consciousness amongst target groups. He further said that eco-tourism, besides enhancing income generation of poor communities, would also bring Punjab on the national and international tourist circuits.

The Minister said that the forest department would launch a full-fledged Departmental website within three months.

Talking about spreading environment and wildlife preservation consciousness, he mentioned that the department was also working out some innovative schemes.

UNI