BMCs meeting held at Banihal

RAMBAN, July 27: Divisional Forest Officer Ramban, Dr Rajan Singh convened a meeting with Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) of Banihal Range.

The meeting was attended by the Sarpanchs, chairpersons of BMCs and secretaries of different Panchayats.

The DFO sensitized BMCs about the new Non Timber Forest Products (NTFP) policy notified recently by the UT Government for sustainable collection of minor Forest products and creating livelihood opportunities for the locals.

 The BMCs were asked to register depot owners (Traders) who store and trade NTFP gathered by collectors in the Panchayats. They were also asked to share details for opening bank accounts in the name of the BMCs

 They were also informed about levy to be charged and ABS under the Biodiversity Act 2002.   Among others Range Officer Banihal, Sajjad Hussain, Foresters and Beat Guards of Banihal Range attended the meeting.