'Cutting down of trees must be compensated with plantation'

Ranchi: Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das today said cutting down of trees for development projects must be followed up with adequate plantations in the state.

"An equal number of plantations must be taken up if there is a requirement for cutting down trees for development projects," Das said while urging people to maintain ecological balance.

Under the 'Mukhya Mantri Jan Vaan Yojana' to protect environment, he said the state has provision to give grant to people for plantation in their areas.

Speaking on 'Environment Issues and Climate Change' at the inauguration of Judicial Academy here, Das said the state's development was possible only through economic growth and by preserving quality of the environment.

He pointed out that forest and mineral-rich Jharkhand has to be steered on the path of growth along with preservation of environment.

Observing that urbanisation and industrialisation led to pollution in cities, he said solid waste management and sewerage treatment plants would start functioning from next month.

"We have to set an example by making pollution-free 83 km long Ganga in Sahibganj under the 'Namami Gange Yozana' for which Rs 150 crore has been sanctioned," he said.