Thaindian News

New Delhi, Mar 21 (ANI): Minister of State for Environment and Forests Jairam Ramesh on Monday said that we must finish de-greening before we start greening projects.Speaking on the occasion of World Forestry Day celebration here today, Ramesh said, “The de-greening has been created by industrial construction. The pressure of our population and works done in the name of progress, have damaged our forests and rivers. This is the biggest challenge we face today. “We have to achieve economic growth along with conserving forests and keeping our rivers clean,” he added. He further recalled celebration of Van Mahotsav and said: “We celebrate World Forestry Day since 1971, but in our country Van Mahotsav was celebrated much before that in the month of July since 1950 all over the country which was started by then Home Minister Late Kulpati K M Munshi. “Our Culture and traditions teach us to preserve our forests and natural resources. The government will succeed in this movement only with cooperation from people. Women are leading the movement of ‘Save the Forests’ and with partnership we will be able to achieve our goal. Awareness about protecting environment is tremendous today and schools, colleges, and NGOs must work together to conserve our environment,” he said.Dr P J Dileep Kumar, Director General, Forests and Special Secretary said that forests and natural resources are important to maintain n our environment. He said that cities are repository of biodiversity and wild life. Our life depends on greenery around us. He appealed students and people to develop habit of bird watching and preserve water. A calendar of events for International Year of Forests, 2011 was also released today. (ANI)