Patna: In a significant move towards advancing sustainable development goals, a Sub Regional Office (SRO) at Patna was inaugurated by Ashwini Kumar Choubey, Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoS EF&CC) in the presence of dignitaries including, and Dr. Prem Kumar, State Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
The inauguration of the SRO aligns with the Government of India’s commitment to achieve the national target of Net Zero Emission by 2070 through ecologically balanced sustainable development. Key initiatives such as the Green Credit Program, Nagar Van, Ecotourism, and Accredited Compensatory Afforestation aim to encourage stakeholders’ participation in enhancing and extending forest-based economic, social, and environmental benefits to forest-dependent communities.
MoS Choubey, during the inauguration, emphasized the crucial role of the newly established SRO in fostering awareness about new sustainable development initiatives.
State minister Dr. Prem Kumar echoed this sentiment, underscoring the importance of enhanced coordination between the state government and the Government of India through such offices.
Jitender Kumar, Director General of Forest & Special Secretary, expressed gratitude towards the State Government for their support in establishing the SRO. He emphasized that the office would expedite the resolution of state-related issues, fostering progress in areas like eco-tourism and wetland conservation.
The ceremony saw the presence of dignitaries from various governmental bodies, including the Member Secretary of the Central Zoo Authority, Assistant Inspector General of Forests from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, along with senior officials from the Government of India and the State Government.
Arvinder Singh, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests-cum-Nodal Officer, also welcomed the establishment of the SRO, expressing confidence in its ability to accelerate policy formulation and development objectives.
In conclusion, Shashi Shankar, Deputy Inspector General of Forests, Regional Office, Ranchi, extended gratitude to all attendees, highlighting the collaborative effort towards driving sustainable development initiatives in the region.
