State targets 33 pc forest coverage in 10 years: Minister

TIRUCHY: Eyeing the target of 33 per cent forest cover within 10 years, at least 32 crore saplings would be planted across the state each year with the support of the various departments, said Forest Minister K Ramachandran here on Saturday.

Speaking after visiting the nurseries developed by the forest department and the elephant rehabilitation centre at MR Palayam, Ramachandran said, with Chief Minister MK Stalin promising the mandatory 33 per cent forest cover within 10 years, the forest department has been initiating various steps. Presently we have 24 per cent forest cover and we would achieve the target on time with planting of 32 crore saplings each year,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Forest Minister said a special committee has been formed to look into wild animal menach in agriculture fieels and based on team’s recommendations, steps would be initiated by the government. Earlier, he inspected the ongoing works for the Zoological part in MR Palayam and visited the elephant rehabilitation centre. He also visited the nurseries at Sobanapuram at Thuraiyur and inspected the spots to plant crops.