Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that there is a need to increase innovation in forest sector. Van Vihar in Bhopal is a big gift in itself. It should be developed as a model that people even from Singapore should come here for night safari. Increasing forest area in Madhya Pradesh is good news for the world. In this era of climate change, it is necessary to protect not only humans, but also all living beings. He was addressing inaugural session of one-day workshop of Chief Conservator of Forests and Forest Officers at the Academy of Administration. He said public service and environmental protection is responsibility of officers and employees of Forest Services. It is important to be sensitive to problems of people living in forest areas.

 

It should be ensured that all eligible persons get pattas under Forest Rights Act without any hassles. Responsibility of saving environment lies with civilized society just as much as it is with the forest dwellers. Therefore, it is important to see that forest dwellers are not harassed in any way. Strict action is required on various mafia operating in forest area. It should be ensured that there are no new illegal possessions in the forest area.

 

He congratulated forest officers for increase in number of leopards, crocodiles and vultures and for state’s achievement as tiger state. He underlined need to promote agro forestry. He said there is a need for simplification of rules regarding use of trees planted on our land. Forest Minister Dr. Kunwar Vijay Shah, Principal Secretary Forests Ashok Varnwal, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Rajesh Srivastava were present in the workshop.