Collector–DFO Conference: Need to Increase the Number of Van Dhan Kendras Across the State
Raipur (thestates.news) | A joint Collector–DFO Conference was held today at the Mantralaya (Mahanadi Bhavan) under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai. The meeting witnessed detailed discussions on forest management, welfare of tendu leaf collectors, value addition of minor forest produce, eco-tourism, cultivation of medicinal plants, and diverse livelihood dimensions linked to forests.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said that the number of registered tendu leaf collectors in the state has now crossed 1.2 million (12 lakh), which is a testament to the success of collective administrative efforts. “You all deserve appreciation for this remarkable achievement,” he remarked.
The Chief Minister said that the focus must now shift towards maximum value addition of forest produce. He emphasized the need to increase the number of Van Dhan Kendras across the state to create additional income opportunities for forest dwellers and empower them toward self-reliance.
