Bhopal:Sunday, July 27 :Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan has said that requisite steps should be undertaken that the Van Bhawan to be constructed in the state capital does not merely remain an office but also becomes a centre of attraction for tourists. All the necessary arrangements would be ensured to equip this Rs 26 crore building with various facilities.
While laying the foundation stone of Van Bhawan at Tulsi Nagar here today, Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that the forest employees should have concern for guarding forests with alertness. The state government would look after their interests.
Chief Minister Shri Chouhan said that for the first time in Forest Department’s history steps have been taken for creation of new posts and promotional avenues apart from showing concern for the interests of daily wagers. The forest staff should adopt cordial behaviour with forest dwellers with the cooperation of Van Samitis. But at the same time it is also imperative that a forest marauder should not be let off in any condition. Shri Chouhan said that the state government has raised honorarium of forest produce collectors twice. Forest employees discharge their duties while facing dangers. The state government has made a provision to give Rs 10 lakh to next of the kin of those forest employees who die in harness while protection forests. Arrangements have also been made to give compensation to the farmers whose crops are damaged by wild animals. Similarly, the rules and regulations regarding Forest Department have been amended for the benefit of both general people and forest employees.
The Chief Minister informed that a fabulous War Memorial would also be established at Bhopal which would be a token of homage to about 30 thousand martyrs who have laid down their lives while fighting against other countries.
Presiding over the function, Finance Minister Shri Raghavji said that Madhya Pradesh is the pioneering state in the matter of forest conservation and protection. Adequate funds have been allocated for construction of Van Bhawan. This building would be worth seeing. Forest Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah said that a surge of enthusiasm has been felt by the forest staff with the start of Van Bhawan’s construction. A new culture has been introduced in the department. Respect to plant and trees is actually the respect of entire humanity.
At the outset, Chief Minister Shri Chouhan and other dignitaries were welcomed by presenting them with saplings. Principal Secretary Forests Shri Prashant Mehta threw light on departmental activities. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Shri V.R. Khare welcomed the guests. Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Shri P.B. Gangopadhaya proposed a vote of thanks. The function was conducted by Sushri Pramila. Earlier, Chief Minister Shri Chouhan formally laid the foundation stone of Van Bhawan. Those present at the function included Rajya Sabha member Shri Laxminarayan Pandey, Forest Development Corporation’s deputy chairman Shri Rajendra Harshwal and offices and employees of Forest Department.