The World Economic Forum (WEF) on Friday praised the Chhattisgarh government for environment conservation and enhancing tree as well as forest cover in the state.
A communication from the state government said Nicole C. Schwab, the WEF chief for ‘One Trillion Tree’ mission, had a meeting through videoconferencing with Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel and appreciated the efforts of his government to link forests with rural economy.
“It not only protects environment but also boosts the economy,” she said.
Baghel apprised Schwab that Chhattisgarh was committed to preserve forests scientifically and was working to increase the water level in the forests by recharging ground water level with ‘Narva’ scheme.
Chhattisgarh is also working in a better way in the field of minor forest produce and was establishing small scale industries to provide employment in villages located in forests, he said.
Baghel said till now forest dwellers have saved the forest and they are the real conservator of forests.
Forty-two percent area in Chhattisgarh is wrapped in forest cover and it is also home to 31 percent of the state's population. The life of tribals is mostly dependent on forests.
The Chief Minister suggested that plantation of trees was key to promote forests.
