Aiming to protect the state's rich flora and fauna, a biodiversity conservation project is being executed in Rajasthan, with assistance from Agence Francaise de Developpement (AFD), a French development agency. Being implemented across the eastern regions of the territory, the Rajasthan Forestry and Bio Development Project has already received approval from the state government. It is expected that this initiative will support local ecosystems in the state.
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With economical aid from the French organisation, the project envisions boosting eco-tourism and other long-term viable income-inducing programs in the rural areas. Therein, the scheme will collect nearly 1,200 self-help groups, in an attempt to materialise the plans as soon as possible. The details of the scheme were discussed by India's AFD director Bruno Bosle, Rajasthan Principal Secretary, Forest Sreya Guha, Chief Secretary Niranjan Arya and other state officials.
The Principal Secretary said, "Community empowerment will be a key aspect of the project and thus would include various efforts to increase the income of the local communities without adversely impacting the local natural ecosystem." It has been stated that the initiatives under this project, would spread across Alwar, Baran, Bhilwara, Bharatpur, Bundi, Dausa, Dholpur, Jaipur, Jhalawar, Karauli, Kota, Sawaimadhopur and Tonk.
As a part of the plans, 33,000 hectares of land would witness a green revamp with a massive afforestation program. Besides, 40,000 hectares of existing forest land and 3,000 hectares of sacred groves will be conserved. While the scheme includes plantation drives outside the forest areas, degraded forests will also be restored as a part of it. '
Further, a biodiversity park shall come up in the Bharatpur region. In addition to this, micro plant reserves will be set up with and advanced equipment will be deployed for surveillance of the forests. Given the long list of proposed plans, the state aims for a comprehensive conservation program.
- With inputs from ANI
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