Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today asked scientists to indentify suitable areas for promoting native tree species of the state.
Releasing a book 'Tree Directory of Punjab' here, he asked scientists to undertake the study especially around Anandpur Sahib and south-western Punjab to promote conservation of native trees.
Commending Punjab State Council for Science & Technology (PSCST) and Punjab Agricultural University for coming up with the 'Directory', Badal said it would help many people involved in the management and conservation of trees and forests.
It would serve as useful resource for policy makers and planners, forestry scientists, officers of state Forest Department and Punjab Biodiversity Board, students, researchers, field level workers and other stakeholders.
Secretary, Science, Technology and Environment KAP Sinha said extensive field surveys were carried out throughout the state to document the first hand information about existing trees in forest divisions, wildlife sanctuaries, botanical gardens, zoological parks, wetlands, along the rivers, national and state highways and in universities and agricultural areas.
He said that the publication highlights unmatched environmental significance of native tree species which were particularly resistant to various environmental factors.
