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Union forest minister promises 'green guard' in every village

Union Minister for Forest and Environment Suresh Prabhu has said that a 'green guard' would be appointed in every village to guard the forest and natural wealth of the country.

Prabhu, who was in Thane to participate in the concluding day of the sixth Maharashtra State Forest Sports, was speaking to the media.

He said the government was making efforts to bring in maximum participation of the citizens in the conservation of the natural wealth. The 'green guards' were one such attempt.

The village guard will keep a record of the rivers and forests. He would report from time to time to his higher-ups about the situation, the minister said.

He also said that it has been observed that most of the rivers in the country have been found to be polluted. A decision has been taken to clean up the rivers once in a while and to ensure that they are not polluted any further.

He also said he had pointed out to Prime Minister A B Vajpayee that the forest department gets only 0.81 per cent funds and this needs to be increased. He said that he would make efforts to get it increased. Maharashtra would be given the major share in the provisions as the state has been contributing maximum to the Centre.

He also said that he was of the opinion that the forest personnel should also be recognised on the lines of the police and other personnel for their meritorious services. In this connection he said that if the proposal gets through, the personnel would be recognised by the President on January 26 itself, or from next year onwards.

The major problem the country will be facing in the coming years will be of environment and hence it is necessary now itself to work for its preservation. Prabhu said that a proposal for the insurance of forest personnel who undertake risk in their task was underway and would come through any time now.

He emphasised the need for the participation of citizens in the task of preservation of the natural wealth.

UNI

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