Mumbai : The state government has decided to adopt principles of participative management for the conservation of forests in urban localities, forest minister Sudhir Mungantiwar has said.
Local committees under the leadership of deputy conservator of forests would be formed for the area development of forest and non forest land in urban area, he said. A government resolution has been promulgated in this regard on Tuesday.
All the forests except national parks and sanctuaries would be developed under this scheme and local NGO, VO, local self government bodies would be encouraged to participate in the scheme and part of forest produce would be shared with such institutions against their level of participation, the minister said.
He also said that the government is planning to prepare a directory of NGOs working in the field of wildlife conservation in order to improve public participation in the sector.
The government can utilise the expertise and experience brought by such NGOs in planning and implementing schemes for wildlife welfare, Mungantiwar said.
Asking concerned NGOs to submit their information to the Chief Conservator of Forests of their area or email him, Mungatiwar said he has resolved to implement schemes related to conservation of forests, wildlife, tiger and other environmental activities through public participation.
This will be achieved by developing a bond between the public and the wildlife by engaging NGOs, he said, adding that primary work in this regard is in progress.
