Bihar’s Environment Minister Reviews Key Schemes Under Agricultural Road Map

Patna: Dr. Prem Kumar, Bihar’s Minister for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, chaired a comprehensive review meeting at Aranya Bhawan to assess the progress of key initiatives under the state’s Agricultural Road Map. The meeting focused on schemes such as the Agro-Forestry Scheme, Har Khet Sinchai Ka Paani Yojana, Eco-Tourism, Groundwater Conservation, Garland Trench, and various centrally sponsored projects. Senior officials, including the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, the Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (CAMPA), and other departmental heads, were in attendance.

During the review, the minister evaluated the grants provided to farmers under the Agro-Forestry Scheme. He directed officials to organize programs for distributing incentive amounts to farmers, ensuring the involvement of public representatives, eco-development committee members, and local stakeholders. The minister also emphasized the importance of promoting these events through local media.

The minister reiterated the timely execution of all ten schemes outlined in the Agriculture Road Map (2023–28). For centrally sponsored projects, he instructed officials to expedite the release of central funding by coordinating with the relevant departments.

Under the ‘Har Khet Sinchai Ka Paani Yojana,’ plans have been prepared for 42 out of 99 identified sites, with work already underway at 21 approved locations. Dr. Kumar directed officials to expedite the submission of plans for the remaining 57 sites to ensure timely implementation.

The review also included eco-tourism and park development initiatives. The minister called for swift preparation of estimates for priority schemes, including spring tree plantations. To combat air pollution, particularly in the non-attainment cities of Patna, Gaya, and Muzaffarpur, the minister recommended the inclusion of parks under the Nagar Van Yojana. He also instructed officials to enhance green cover across all 75 wards of Patna and establish vertical gardens to improve urban greenery.

In an effort to make Bihar Forest Development Corporation Ltd. self-reliant, the minister emphasized the need to fill vacant posts promptly.

Concluding the meeting, Dr. Kumar urged senior officials to ensure the timely completion of all reviewed projects, underscoring the state government’s commitment to sustainable development and environmental conservation.