Dangs to be declared as Gujarat’s 100% Organic Farming District: Anandiben

Valsad: Chief Minister Anandiben Patel today inaugurated the 67th State Van Mahotsav at Nanapoda in Valsad district by throwing open mango orchard ‘Amravan’ created by State Forest Department, amidst light showers in the backdrop of greenery all around. She also opened a village haat built at a cost of Rs.2-crore as local buyers-sellers meeting place. Describing Van Mahotsav as an occasion to create pollution-free atmosphere, she said the Dangs district will be declared as Gujarat’s 100 per cent organic farming district depending on all organic inputs including manures.

Speaking at a function, she said trees are not just green canopy but served as an ornament of the Mother Earth – be it in urban areas or rural. There is need to create awareness and everyone should plant, grow and preserve trees as commitment. Trees are known to attract rain-bearing clouds and water retention in the soil. From this year, she said the Van Mahotsav will be launched from four places.

The Chief Minister said that her government has sanctioned Rs.322-crore to provide potable water to 221 villages in Kaprada and Dharampur talukas. She called for strengthening Eklavya Residential School and Vigyan Shala in every taluka, equipped with science labs and computer rooms, specifically designed for the poor tribal children. She claimed that Gujarat has made progress in providing education, health, housing and jobs to the tribal people through ‘sauna saath, sauna vikas’.

Forest & Environment and Tribal Development Minister Mangubhai Patel spoke about his departments developmental programmes. Minister of State for Forest Bachubhai Khabad and MP K.C. Patel also spoke on the occasion.

Others present on the occasion included Vidhan Sabha Deputy Whip R.C. Patel, Valsad District Panchayat President Jeetendrabhai Tandel, MLAs Bharatbhai Patel, KAnubhai Desai, Ramanlal Patkar and Jitubhai Chaudhry, Collector Remya Mohan and Superintendent of Police Premveer Singh.

– Information