Tripura’s total forest cover area stands at 7721.52 Sq. kms, which is 73.64 percent of the total size of the state. As many as eight Forest districts, 17 sub-divisions, four sanctuaries, 59 Forest Ranges and 283 Forest Beats cover the entire forest land of the state, said Dr K S Sethi Principal Chief Conservator of Forest.
He said, in view of the vast forest cover the state can envisage a massive impetus in the economic development using the forest resources.
“There is a huge possibility of increasing the state’s revenue by utilizing the forest resources and the forest department is working in this direction”.
Addressing a press conference Dr Sethi said, the Forest department is implementing various initiatives for afforestation and conservation of the wild animals.
Chief Conservator of Forest (CCF) K. Sashikumar was also present in the press conference.
In the meantime, in the State-Level Wildlife Week organized by Forest department at picnic ground of Sepahijala sanctuary recently Deputy Chief Minister Jishnu Dev Varma said, conservation of wildlife should be given priority to maintain the balance in biodiversity and ecosystem. The balance in nature would deteriorate without the wildlife. He also said, the wildlife and the forest attract tourists. These are important factors towards development of tourism industry. That is why, the coming generation must be aware about the importance of wildlife in the nature.
Sabhadhipati of Sepahijala Zilla Parishad, Sepahijala DM & Collector Vishwasree B. and warden of Sepahijala sanctuary Biswajit Das were present there. Welcome speech was delivered by Chief Wild Life Warden Praveen Agarwal. The State-Level Wildlife Week concluded with vibrant cultural programme. Folk dances such as Hojagiri, Bihu, Mosok Sumani etc., were performed. Awards were distributed to winners of quiz and debate competition as a part of celebrating State-Level Wildlife Week.