UDHAMPUR: Minister of Forest, Ecology and Environment Ch. Lal Singh conducted an extensive tour of Mantalai and Udhampur  areas. Principal Chief conservator of Forest, A.K Singh, Conservator East Circle, B M Sharma, General Manager State Forest Corporation A.K Tickoo, Director Environment O.P Sharma and Joint Director FPF and others officers of different departments were present on the occasion.
During his tour, the minister listened to the grievances and problems of the people of Narsoo, Basht and Gouri Kund villages and issued on the spot directions to the concerned officers for the redressal of the same. Addressing the gathering, the minister emphasized the need of strong coordination between the administration and the people for effective implementation of various welfare and development programmes which he said is pre-requisite for growth and progress of an area.
He asked the officers of forest department to launch plantation drive along the road side and also directed for the proper fencing of forest land. He asked them to take necessary steps to stop unauthorized dumping in the forest area. He further directed the concerned authorities for the development and beautification of Mantalai by planting different ornamental and fruit plants. The Minister stressed upon the wild life officials for proper maintenance of Mantalai Deer Park and prepare DPRs for the construction of helipad, guest house and SFRI at Mantali.
In order to attract more tourists, the minister directed the concerned officer to provide better transport facilities and road connectivity. Later, he felicitated the Udhampur Cricket Club, winner of Rajinder Katoch Memorial Cricket Tournament which was organized by Friends Parivar, Sudh Mahadev in which nine teams participated.