Tripura News: CM directs Forest Dept to recruit Van Mitras before Durga Puja
Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb directed the Forest department to recruit around 1100-1200 Van Mitras before the ensuing Durga Puja. He also stressed on imparting training to the Van Mitras for increasing their incomes by involving them in various programmes of the Forest department.
The Chief Minister was addressing a governing body meeting of the Compensatory Aforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) at the civil secretariat.
Deb, who is the chairman of CAMPA governing body, said the State Government has accorded priority in generation of employment along with creating livelihood based on forest resources. He directed the officials concerned to make a proper plan to this end.
Addressing the meeting, the Chief Minister asked for coordination between Forest, Agriculture and Revenue departments to encourage patta holders and jhumiyas towards Black Gram (Mashkolai) cultivation. He said the Black gram growers see profit in a short time.
In another note, Deb suggested plantation of palm trees on both sides of the national highway from Agartala to Sabroom. He said, it would not only work as an effort of beautification but also increase the production of palm oil in the state.
The Chief Minister directed the Forest officials to take initiatives so that the Oxygen Park can be opened for the public before the Durga Puja.
In the meeting CEO of CAMPA, VG Genar discussed about utilization of funds for creation of forest as well as forest resources and annual planning. He said, aforestation has been done in 582.80 hector lands during 2020-21 FY. In this connection, he also mentioned 42,769 Agar saplings have been planted, so far in 2021-22 FY.
The State Government is encouraging Agar tree plantation for creating a thriving Agar industry in the State.
Forest minister NC Debbarma, Chief Secretary Kumar Alok, PCCF Dr. D.K. Sarma, Secretary P.K. Goyal among other officials were present in the meeting.