RAIPUR: Chhattisgarh Forest and Climate Change Minister Mohammed Akbar said that approval for construction of 1.8 lakh structures based on the 30x40 model design in remote forest regions, has been given.

Under the Narva Development program and part of the Annual Action Plan of Compensatory Afforestation Fund and Planning Authority (CAMPA) 1.54 lakh structures have been constructed and 1,959 hectares of land in forest regions have been treated, said the Minister.

As per the approval construction of 1.80 structures based on the 30x40 model will benefit about 2,395 hectares of infertile and barren land in remote forest regions, he added.

The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, V. Srinivasa Rao said that the model is suitable for forest areas where the soil depth is less and for areas of clay soil, stony land, infertile land, forests of small shrubs, and barren land.

After a few days of its construction, the land in those areas starts turning fertile. In the 30x40 model, rainwater is filled into a 7 x 7 x 3-foot pit through small bunds. By making them in series, the above model enables the sites to hold moisture for a longer time. Through this method, rainwater can be stored for a long time, he said.