Special schemes to develop wasteland in Bihar

Patna, July 10 (UNI) The Bihar government in co-operation with the Centre here today launched 'Integrated Afforestation and Wasteland Development Programme' of Rs 30.68 crores to develop the wasteland spreading in over 5443.68 kms.

Sources at the rural development department said that the eco-fragile land would be protected, agricultural produce would be enhanced and underground water level would be maintained under the scheme.

This programme would also lead to an increase in agricultural fuel, manure and fodder and would help to bring better economic development in rural areas, added the source.

The sources further said that of Rs 30.68 crores already released under the scheme, Rs 12.89 crores had been spent on development of 3,25,000 hectares of land.

The present integrated wasteland development programme covers 60 blocks of 31 districts.

Concerned over the slow pace of the scheme, the state government directed to speed up the programme and launch additional schemes in the current financial year.

UNI