Chief Minister attended the discussion through video conferencing
Forest dwellers are the ones who have protected the forests, they are the real saviours of the forests: Chief Minister Mr. Baghel
Under the ‘One Trillion Tree Program’, World Economic Forum is working on the cause of environment conservation. In the same sequence, Chief Minister Mr. Bhupesh Baghel, along with Nicole Schwab- the head of One Trillion Tree Program, attended the online discussion held in this regard. In this discussion, Ms. Ritvika Bhattacharya and Ms. Bhairavi Jani, the directors of One Trillion Tree Program in India, informed Chief Minister Mr. Baghel about the program and the works being done under the same.
On behalf of the World Economic Forum, Head of One Trillion Trees, Nicole Schhwab praised Chief Minister Mr.Bhupesh Baghel for Chhattisgarh Government’s efforts to preserve the environment, enhance the greenery and to expand the forest cover in the state. Ms. Nicole said that connecting the forests of Chhattisgarh with the economy is a significant step that combines economic activities with environment conservation.
Chief Minister Mr. Baghel, while speaking in front of the World Economic Forum, informed about the steps being taken in Chhattisgarh to conserve forests and recharge groundwater sources in a scientific manner. He said that the strategic scientific approach of Chhattisgarh Government has resulted in recharging of the drains in Chhattisgarh from 10 to 30 cm. Chief Minister further said that extensive work has been done in Chhattisgarh in the field of minor forest produce, and if small industries are set up her, it would not only benefit the people living in rural areas but would also help the cause of environment conservation.
During the discussion, Chief Minister said that forest dwellers of Chhattisgarh are the real saviours of forests here. 42% area in Chhattisgarh is covered with forests and 31 per cent of the population in the state is of tribals, who are mainly dependent on forests. Chhattisgarh government is distributing individual and community forest rights pattas to serve both the causes of tribal rights and environment conservation.
In his recommendations to the World Economic Forum, Chief Minister Mr. Baghel said that planting trees according to the season and ensuring sufficient water supply would enhance the possibility of developing lush forests. Chief Minister also shared about the similar works done by Chhattisgarh Government under the Narva scheme, which resulted in recharging of the drains and expansion of forest cover.
Additional Chief Secretary Mr. Subrat Sahu and Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Mr. Rakesh Chaturvedi were also virtually present during the video conference of Chief Minister Mr. Baghel with the World Economic Forum.
