Chhattisgarh

• 18 Jun 2022

Chief Minister Launched Works Under Narva Vikas Yojana

Why in News?

On June 17, 2022, Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel in a virtual programme organized by the Forest Department at his residence office launched the works sanctioned at a cost of Rs.300 crore from CAMPA head in 40 forest divisions of the state in the year 2022-23 under the ambitious programme 'Narva Vikas' run by the state government .

Key Points

• He also transferred an amount of Rs 34 crore 41 lakh to 4.72 thousand collectors of 432 societies as incentive remuneration directly in their bank accounts for the tendu leaf collection work done in the state in the year 2020.
• Apart from this, the Chief Minister also inaugurated laboratories set up at Raipur, Bilaspur, Kanker, Jagdalpur and Sarguja for testing the quality of forest produce and products at the forest circle level at the forest circle level. He also launched the works of eco-tourism development at a cost of Rs.5 crore in Mahasamund Forest Division .
• Addressing the function, the Chief Minister said that the Narwa Development Scheme is important to bring greenery in Vananchal and increase the income of the people. Keeping in view its importance, the Narva Development Programme will be given the shape of a campaign.
• The Chief Minister said that during the meeting, information was received that these works in forest areas have led to an increase of about 30 cm in water levels, while in plain areas, the water level has increased by about 7 cm.
• He said that the work of Narva development will not only provide water for wildlife and animals and birds in the forest areas, but the cultivators will also be able to take two crops, which will also help in increasing the bio-diversity.
• Referring to the commencement of Mahua (Madhuca Longifolia) collection from the net in some districts, the Chief Minister said that it is benefiting the Mahua collectors well, on the same lines, four Char-Chironji (Cuddapah Almond) will also be collected through the net.
• Forest Minister Mohammad Akbar said that Narva Vikas is a multi-purpose scheme in reviving the sewer including conservation and enrichment of ground water. For this, preparations are also being made to assess the increase in water level and increase in irrigation area due to Narva Development Works.
• The Forest Minister informed that in the interest of the forest dwellers in the State, continuous efforts are being made to provide maximum benefits to the forest dwellers through arrangements ranging from collection of minor forest produce to processing etc. As a result of this, Chhattisgarh tops the country in terms of collection of minor forest produce. At present, about three-fourths of the minor forest produce in the country is collected in Chhattisgarh.