Union Minister Uma Bharti seeks FRI's help in cleaning Ganga

DEHRADUN: Union Minister for Water Resources Uma Bharti today asked the Forest Research Institute and the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education here to pool in their vast resources and expertise for the restoration of Himalayan ecology and rejuvenation of the Ganga.

"If the FRI and ICFRE harness their vast resources and expertise for restoring the over-exploited Himalayan ecology and rejuvenating the Ganga, I have no doubt that the mission will be achieved," she said addressing officers of FRI and ICFRE here.

Showing keen interest in the research activities of the FRI, the Union Minister suggested that the twin goals of restoring the Himalayan eco-system and cleaning the Ganga will become more achievable if the FRI also devises a method to involve locals in the mission.

She also stressed the need for community-oriented development by involving locals in growing medicinal and aromatic plants.

Earlier today, ICFRE Director General Ashwani Kumar and FRI Director P P Bhojvaid briefed her about the research activities of the FRI.

The Minister visited the convocation hall, timber & non wood forest products museums of the FRI and was highly impressed by its architecture and facilities.

DG, ICFRE and Director, FRI felicitated the minister by presenting her a memento and a shawl.