Well equipped guards to keep vigil in HP forest areas

Nahan, Nov 17 (UNI) Well Equipped Forest Chowkies in Himachal were being posted in various parts of Himachal Pradesh would replace lathi-weilding singlwe guard to check the forest theft and activities of forest mafia, Forest Minister J.P. Nadda said here today.

In Sirmour ndistrict alone, two chowkies would be established at Haban (Rajgarh tehsil) and Paonta Sahib, he said while talking to media persons.

Each Chowki would be equipped with vehicles, full staff and latest weapons in place of the earlier one forest guard with a stick, inadequate to fight well-armed forest mafia.

He said that rights would also be provided to the farmers having their own forest to use timber for the construction of their houses once in 30 years and repair of house after 15 years.

This right, hich had been cleared by cabinet was awaiting the high court clearance, which would come soon, he said adding that he also hoped that likewise case of cutting of green trees, lying under consideration of Supreme Court, would also be decided soon.

The Minister said that the case of Jungle Jhari related to Kala-Amb industrial area, under consideration of Deputy Commissioner Sirmour, would be decided soon.

He said that Medicine plantation had survival rate of 85 per cent in the district for which public had taken keen interest.

Three parties had filed cases including NDPC, Government and Katha Udyog Samiti, which were waiting court decision.

He said that 55 Crore had been provided for drinking water in the district by executing 704 under gravity schemes,193 under lift drinking water and 115 hand pumps would be installed while 45 already installed.

UNI JN VN1715