International Day of Forests observed with planting of trees

The International Day of Forests was celebrated here today, with the Environment Secretary Ajay Narayan Jha calling school children for protecting forests. Stating that there was a mutual relationship between forests and energy, he pointed out that water level of the earth would only increase when would be forests.

“The challenge before us is to make available energy at affordable cost to the people and the government is paying full attention to this challenge,” he said.Director General, Forests and Special Secretary, in the Ministry Dr S S Negi said, “We are fortunate that there are forests around us. We are surviving because of these forests and the forests are preventing the desertification from being extended.”

The day is celebrated on March 21 every year around the world. This celebration brings into focus the role of forests in safeguarding the ecological security and livelihood of millions of people all around the world. This theme of this year’s is “Forests & Energy” and has been chosen by the United Nations to highlight the importance of wood energy in improving people’s lives, powering sustainable development and mitigating climate change.