Mah Cabinet approves new forest policy

Mumbai, Aug 21 (UNI) The Maharashtra Cabinet today approved a new forest policy and formation of state forest advisory board.

The new forest policy emphasises on formation of green fund for maintenance of the environment and forest science centre for the benefit of farmers.

The policy has recommended increase in forest cover area to 33 per cent from the present 20.13 per cent.

The policy also has guidelines about cutting of trees on non-forest land.

The chief minister will be chairman of the state forest advisory board.

After taking review of the scarcity situation in the state, the Cabinet asked the district collectors to take immediate steps to tackle the situation, if required. Even as there is good rainfall and 61 per cent of the dams in the state are filled to their capacity, scarcity still looms over the state.

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