Raipur : Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai today attended the charge-taking and felicitation ceremony of the newly appointed Chairman of Chhattisgarh State Forest Development Corporation, Shri Ramsevak Paikra, in Nava Raipur as the chief guest and congratulated Shri Paikra for the new responsibility.Vidhan Sabha Speaker Dr. Raman Singh was also present on this occasion and he congratulated Shri Paikra on the new responsibility.

Chief Minister Shri Sai said on this occasion that Shri Ramsevak Paikra is a senior politician and has a long experience of social life.He has efficiently discharged many important responsibilities. He has always been known for his sensitivity towards the tribal and forest communities and for working on the ground level. In such a situation, the tribal society will benefit from him getting the big responsibility of Forest Development Corporation.The Chief Minister said that about 44 percent of the land of Chhattisgarh is covered with forest area, which is extremely important not only for biodiversity and environment but also for tribal culture and livelihood.Referring to the initiatives being taken by the government in the interest of forest dwelling communities, he said that the remuneration of tendu leaf collectors has been increased from Rs 4,000 to Rs 5,500.He said that this year a target has been set to plant and distribute about 4 crore saplings, while a budget provision of Rs 310 crore has been made for the improvement of degraded forests.Referring to the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ scheme launched by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Chief Minister said that more than 3 crore 50 lakh saplings have been planted in the state so far.

On this occasion, Agriculture Minister, Forest Minister, Women and Child Development Minister, MLA Raipur, Chairman of various Divisional Commissions including former Legislative Assembly, officers and employees of Chhattisgarh State Forest Development Corporation and Forest Department and a large number of dignitaries were present.