SRINAGAR: Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Switzerland, Mr Gilles Roduit today called on Minister for Forest, Environment and Ecology, Ch. Lal Singh here today. Discussing various issues with the Forest Minister, Mr Roduit apprised the Minister about the challenges for protecting the wildlife in the forests across the Himalayas. He also appraised various programmes of his country used for protection and preservation of green wealth. He also discussed various initiatives launched by Switzerland in the Himalayas. He said that Embassy was keen to help researchers of the State in Forest, Ecology and Wildlife sectors.
Meanwhile, Ch. Lal Singh informed Mr Roduit that the department doesn’t compromise on the protection of wildlife, environment and ecology across the State, saying that various initiatives have been taken in this regards. The department has also launched operation against the forest land encroachers to retrieve the forest land from them, he added.
Mr. Lal Singh further informed him that the Government was keen for preservation and safety of Hangul (Kashmir deer), adding that for their protection and safety a project of Rs. 25.72 crore has been submitted to the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests for approval. The Deputy Head of Mission said that he has taken note of the situation in the Forest and Wildlife areas, assuring that his country would extend every possible help for the protection and conservation of forests and wildlife across the Himalayan State.