Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mr. Akhilesh Yadav  on Wednesday directed officials of the forest department that plantation drives should reflect on the ground. He warned officials  that any corruption and carelessness in such schemes will not be tolerated.

Calling for an immediate check on illegal felling of  trees, the Chief Minister said he had received complaints with regard to illegal felling of trees and misuse of funds, and warned that action would be initiated against such officials. The CM also stressed that  not only plantation, conservation of plants should also be taken  up with the participation of people.

The Chief Minister made these observations while reviewing the works of the forest department at his annexe office. He also asked the officials to plant saplings on the irrigation department land and on the banks of canals with farmers' participation in it.

Keeping in mind the ongoing legislative assembly session, the Chief Minister said that on the occasion of the Van Mahotsava from July 4 onwards, 3.15 lakh saplings be planted at 80 places by public representatives (Ministers, MLAs and MPs). He also said that a list of places where the plantation was done should not only be provided to the public representatives and also be posted on the forest website. He also said that plantation be done only after studying the condition of the soil.
The Chief Minister also asked officials to develop green belts with the help of public representatives, local residents, social organizations, NGO's and students. Stressing on the need of creating a viable atmosphere for developing eco-tourism, the CM called for phased development of places like National Chambal Vihar, Katrania Ghat Wild Life Centre, Sarsai Navar and Sita Dwar.

The Chief Minister said that by promoting tourism, local employment opportunities would also be generated. On  the same lines, he asked officials to develop and upgrade facilities at Kannauj and Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary and Lakh Bahosi Bird Sanctuary. Mr. Yadav asked officials to expedite work on the Lion Safari and lion breeding centre at Etawah and make the master plan according to the guidelines of the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) and work on procuring lions. It may be mentioned that in the current financial year, Rs five crore have been earmarked for the project. Referring to the Dudhwa National Park, the CM called for the up gradation, beautification of the forest rest houses and strengthening of the inner roads.

The Chief Minister also said that the watch towers here should be made better. He informed that a sum of Rs five crore has been earmarked for the development of the Dudhwa National Park. He also instructed officials to immediately work on the problems being faced in the construction of the proposed Janeshwar Mishra Park in Lucknow.

Also present at the meeting were Minister of State for Forests Mr. Shiv Pratap Yadav, Deputy Chairman of the State Planning Commission Mr. Naveen Chandra Bajpayi, Chief Secretary Mr. Javed Usmani, Principal secretary to CM, Mr. Rakesh Garg, Principal Secretary (irrigation) Mr. Deepak Singhal, Secretary  to the Chief Minister Mrs. Anita Singh, Secretary Forests Mr. Pawan Kumar, Special Secretary to CM Mr. Shambhu Singh Yadav, OSD Mr. Jagdeo Singh and other forest officials.

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