By IANS,
Chandigarh : Punjab has chalked out a Rs.60 crore plan to preserve the natural forests and wildlife in the state, officials said Tuesday.
“Punjab would adopt a biodiversity conservation plan to protect local fauna and flora through management of conflicts between human beings and animals. Fencing of vulnerable points will be done across the state to prevent wild animals straying into towns and in other human habitations. It would be completed within the next five years,” an official spokesman said.
“Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal has also directed the forest department to expedite the demarcation work. They have been told to involve self-help groups for this purpose,” he added.
A sum of Rs.5.72 crore has been allocated for the promotion of eco-tourism, wetland conservation and the fencing work for the year 2010-11. About Rs.17 crore would be spent for the enhancement of productivity of forests, the spokesman said.