June 23

Chandigarh, June 23 - The Haryana Government is formulating a new forest policy which will be implemented very soon in the State. The Haryana Minister of State for Forests, Mrs. Kiran Choudhry disclosed this today while talking to media persons after laying the foundation stone of a multipurpose hall at Baya Tourist Complex in Bhiwani
to be constructed at a cost of Rs. 56.38 lakh. Mrs. Choudhry stated that a massive campaign would be launched by the Forests Department to encourage the people to participate in tree plantation programmes. She added that various cultural, educational and other competitive programmes would be organized in the rural areas to inspire the local people to contribute towards making such campaigns a huge success. She
revealed that a state level 'Van Mahotsav' would be organized on July 15 in Bhiwani where a massive tree plantation programme would be initiated on this day. In reply to a question, the Forests Minister stated that any irregularity on the part of any officer in
the implementation of the tree plantation programme would be dealt strongly and a stern action would be taken against such erring officers. In reply to another question, Mrs. Choudhry informed that two drains, involving an expenditure of Rs 27 crore, would soon be constructed in the district. She disclosed that Bhiwani-Ghaggar drain would be constructed at an expenditure of Rs 21 crore whereas the construction of Mitathal-Ghuskani drain would incur an expenditure of Rs 6 crore. The completion of these drains would help in protecting the area during floods, besides helping in raising the level of ground water table. She disclosed that water from these drains would also be used in irrigation of arid areas. In reply to a question pertaining to the agitation of the workers of Bhiwani Municipal Council, the Forests Minister stated that it was the responsibility of
every individual to keep the city clean and green. She urged the agitating workers to forego their strike and return back to work. She gave an assurance to the workers that she would fight for their genuine demands. She also disclosed that the State Government
had formulated a new scheme for strengthening the sewerage disposal system in the city and this scheme would be implemented soon, she added.