U'khand Guv advocates for green accounting in state, forest growth index

Describing Uttarakhand as the cradleof Indian forestry, Governor K K Paul today advocated for green accounting in the state and introduction of a forest growth index.

He also said the Chipko Movement, recognised globally as the first environment conservation movement, had its originsin the hill state.

Expressing concern over Greenhouse gas emissions, the governor said a concept ofgreen accounting,on the lines of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), should be introduced as forest growth index.

The idea of green accounting is very important fora hill state like Uttarakhand where much depends on the condition of its forests, he said.

The governor was addressing a convocation of IFS probationers at the Indira Gandhi National Forestry Academy here.

Emphasising on research in the field of forestry, he said it will lead to major changesin the management of forest resources.

Union Minister for Environment, Forests and Climate Change Harsh Vardhan, who also addressed the convocation, asked the probationers to find methods to empower the population which depends on forests for livelihood.

People living in forests can be taught howforests can be conserved as a means of livelihood and as a weapon to fight climate change, he said.

The Union minister expressed hope that the probationers will rise to the country's expectations.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat said the importance of forests was rising with time.

He said 71 per cent of Uttarakhand's total area is forested with forest resourcesforming the basis of the existence of its people.

Striking a balance between forests and the basic needs of human life is a big challenge which IFS probationers were going to face as they went out in the field, Rawat said.