Rs 20.32 crore sanctioned to NE states under IFPS

Agartala, Nov 12 (UNI) The Centre has released Rs 20.32 crore to Northeastern states, including Rs 98.593 lakh to Tripura, during 2007-08 under Integrated Forest Protection Scheme(IFPS) as financial assistance.

According to report, the highest amount to the tune of Rs 4.96 crore was sanctioned to Assam followed by Rs 4.14 crore to Mizoram, Rs 3.65 crore to Nagaland, Rs 3.8 crore to Arunachal Pradesh, Rs 1.43 crore to Manipur, Rs 1.2 crore to Sikkim and lowest amount of Rs 86 lakh to Meghalaya for forest protection.

Northeastern states, including Sikkim, got Rs 38 crore during the past three fiscals while the Centre had provided Rs 130 crore to 35 states and UTs for protection of forests.

The main work executed or proposed to be executed include schemes for creation and maintenance of fire-lines, engagement of firewatchers, construction of watch towers, construction of water harvesting structures, preparation of working plans, construction of boundary pillars, construction of buildings for frontline staff, field survey and boundary demarcation, the report added.

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