Chennai: Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami on Tuesday released 'state forest policy 2018' book at a function held in Arignar Anna Zoological Park in Vandalur.
The forest policy book had main content of increasing budgetary (financial) support for forestry sector.
Moreover, the book noted that since the National Forestry Commission has recommended for allocating 2.5 per cent of the budget for forest and wildlife improvement.
“Accordingly, the state government will strive to increase budget allotment to the forest department every year so as to fulfil the goals of this policy, with due regard to the fiscal constraints that may exist from year to year,” read the policy book.
Stating that the objectives of the forest policy can be achieved only with substantial investment of financial and other resources, the policy book noted “forests shall not be looked upon as a source of revenue but to be viewed as renewable natural resources.”
The policy book also promoted eco-tourism. It stated that eco-tourism is giving economic opportunity to the local people especially tribal communities that make conser-vation of natural resou-rces beneficial to them. The book was received by state forest minister Dindigul C. Srinivasan.
Palaniswami names lioness cub ‘Jaya’
Earlier Chief Minister Palaniswami reached the zoological park around 11 am and he named a lioness cub ‘Jaya’.
Then he inspected tiger enclosure, which was newly constructed at the cost of Rs 27 lakh.
The Chief Minister also visited empty rhinoceros enclosure and assured that a new rhinoceros from Patna zoological park will soon be brought to Vandalur zoo.
Later, he took lion safari and inaugurated new children park. Finally, the Chief Minister held a review meeting with forest and zoo officials.
