Biren apprises steps taken up to Javadekar

NEW Delhi, Jun 17
Chief Minister N Biren Singh met Union Minister for Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Prakash Javadekar today and apprised him of the  various activities being taken up by the State Government for conservation and protection of forests and environment, said a statement issued by the Chief Minister's office today.
The Chief Minister requested for Central assistance under the National River Conservation Plan for rejuvenation and conservation of nine river stretches, as identified by the Central Pollution Control Board, which includes Nambul river, Imphal river, Manipur river and Thoubal river, among others.
The Chief Minister also stressed on the need for rejuvenation and revival of springs in catchment areas of the major rivers through recharging of underground water and drew attention to the drying up of major streams,  major rivers and spring heads in catchment areas of major rivers, as well as acute water scarcity at the hill districts and hill stations.
He also drew attention to the need for conservation of various wetlands which are being considered for notification as Wetlands of State importance.
Biren further highlighted the need for augmenting the State Botanical Garden at Khonghampat, Jiribam Biodiversity Park and other eco-parks and he also mooted the development of eco-tourism and eco-museum at Shirui Hill range on pilot basis. The Chief Minister also drew attention to the lack of training infrastructure for training of frontline staff of the Forest Department and sought assistance for setting up well-equipped training institutes.
The Union Minister acknowledged the issues raised by the Chief Minister and assured to look into these concerns.