Bihar’s Environment Minister Calls for Expanded Employment Initiatives in Forest Areas

Patna: Bihar’s Minister for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Dr. Prem Kumar, chaired a key meeting with the Chairman and Secretary of Eco Development Committees and Forest Management Committees across the state’s protected and forested areas on Tuesday. Held via video conference, the meeting focused on enhancing employment opportunities for communities living in and around forest areas.

The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Development) opened the meeting by welcoming the participants and expressing gratitude for their involvement. The session was facilitated by the Director of Ecology and Environment. Dr. Kumar emphasized the government’s commitment to making development schemes more comprehensive to benefit forest dwellers and villagers. He highlighted the department’s ongoing efforts to boost employment through afforestation and other forest-related activities.

Dr. Kumar shared that 2.19 crore saplings have been planted both within and outside forest boundaries, with plans to plant an additional 5 crore saplings this year. This initiative aims to enhance minor forest produce and generate related employment opportunities. The minister also noted that the state, in collaboration with Bharat Petroleum, is using seed balls to plant trees on mountains, furthering afforestation efforts. He pointed out that increased budget allocations, driven by joint efforts of the central and state governments, are empowering the most economically vulnerable segments of society.

The meeting provided a platform for forest officials to outline various state and central government schemes aimed at supporting communities near forest areas. Current initiatives under the Eco Development Committee include the operation of e-rickshaws in tourist areas, establishment of processing units for minor forest produce, installation of hand pumps and RO systems in schools, and promotion of livelihoods such as beekeeping, poultry farming, sewing, and pickle processing.

Participants, including chairpersons and members of the Eco Development Committees, suggested further improvements to the schemes, such as providing training for livelihood activities, establishing additional processing units, and improving accommodation facilities for workers.

The meeting was attended by senior officials, including the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Development), the Director of Ecology and Environment, the Chief Conservator of Forests, and representatives from Joint Forest Management, along with forest officials from across the state.