AP Speaker plea on Eco-Grid

Hyderabad, Oct 26 (UNI) Andhra Pradesh Assembly Speaker K R Suresh Reddy today called upon Forest Ministers of Southern States to constitute a Southern Eco-Tourism Grid for ecological and economic benefits to the society.

In his address at the valedictory of the Southern States Forest Ministers conference which concluded here today, he said the Andhra Pradesh Government was in the forefront of developing eco-tourism in the State.

Stating the Andhra Pradesh Government had initiated several measures for protection of environment and forest conservation, he said the State Government had set up Andhra Pradesh Legislative Commitee on Enviornment and Wildlife to guide and suggest measures to improve environment.

While complimenting the conference for passing 35 resolutions within 24 hours, he urged the Forest Ministers to translate the resolutions into action for clean and good environment for the benefit of future generations.

The speaker said it was everybody's responsibility to contribute their mite for the protection of environment, which was the main concern at present.

He added the green cover in the country was improving well and called for taking up intensive forestry as part of promoting bio-conservation and protecting the flora and fauna.

Andhra Pradesh Minister for Forest and Environment Satrucharla Vijayarama Raju urged the Union Government to bring a Central Act to control the smuggling of Red Sanders.

To check smuggling of Red Sanders by notorious gangs having international links, deterrent action was initiated against smugglers under Preventive Detention Act, Mr Raju said.

The Minister urged the Union Government not to notify Red Sanders under the Schedule VI of the Wildlife Protection Act,1972, and take urgent steps to enact the legislation as proposed.

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