- Chhattisgarh State Wildlife Board meeting concluded under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai
The 16th meeting of the Chhattisgarh State Wildlife Board was held today at the Chief Minister’s residence office under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai. After discussing the compliance report of the 15th meeting and the new agenda items, it was agreed to forward the proposals to the National Wildlife Board for decision.
Chief Minister Shri Sai stated that wildlife is an invaluable asset of our nature and collective efforts are essential for its conservation and promotion. He emphasized the need for continuous monitoring, prevention of illegal activities, and promotion of public participation in wildlife protection. He also stressed the need to increase awareness among villagers living near forests and ensure the active role of youth. Adopting the principle of minimum intervention, the Chief Minister emphasized completing only essential works without disturbing the natural habitat of wildlife. He called for conducting all activities in accordance with the principles of coexistence.
The meeting approved the formation of the Standing Committee of the Chhattisgarh State Wildlife Board. The Standing Committee will be chaired by the Minister of Forests and Climate Change, and will include 11 other members. It is noteworthy that the State Wildlife Board’s opinion is mandatory on proposals for work in wildlife-critical areas. Long intervals between Board meetings often delay proposal approvals. The formation of a standing committee will facilitate the expeditious processing of statutory approvals and the prompt resolution of wildlife management issues.
The meeting approved proposals for the renovation and renovation of dams and canals at the Barbandha Reservoir within the Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserve, strengthening of the road from Pandripani Main Road to Sauru in the Kawardha Forest Division of Kabirdham district under the PM Janman Yojana, six proposals for laying optical fiber in the Guru Ghasidas National Park, laying optical fiber in the Semersoot Sanctuary, establishing a CRPF camp in the Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserve, and laying optical fiber in the Udanti-Sitanadi Tiger Reserve, and agreed to forward them to the National Wildlife Board for approval.
Forest Minister Shri Kedar Kashyap, MLA Shri Dharmjeet Singh, Chief Secretary Shri Vikas Sheel, Additional Chief Secretary Smt. Richa Sharma, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Chief of Forest Force Shri V. Srinivas Rao, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Shri Arun Kumar Pandey along with other members and officers of the Board were present in the programme.