Shimla: Compensatory afforestation under the Catchment Area Treatment (CAT) plans worth Rs.3.34 billion is being implemented in the state, for which user agencies have deposited Rs.1.84 billion so far, Himachal Pradesh Forest Minister J. P. Nadda said Monday.

Reviewing the progress of the CAT plans activities in the state, Nadda directed the user agencies to deposit the balance amount at the earliest. "The Forest Conservation Act, 1980,stipulates preparation and implementation of CAT plans for integrated treatment of catchment areas of hydel projects above 10 MW," he said.

The minister said that compensatory afforestation would be done on identified land banks only. "As many as 84 land banks, comprising 1,700 hectares, have been identified in the state and compensatory afforestation will be carried out on area of 177 hectares during this financial year," he added.

Source : IANS