The Chhattisgarh forest department is planning to develop an "urban forest" around capital Raipur to maintain ecological balance, a senior official said Sunday.

In the meeting, Khetan said the urban forest would help maintain ecological balance around Raipur, he said.

Khetan has asked officialsto select best programmes of the Forest department being implemented currently and prepare three to four good guidelines for the purpose, the official said.

Focus should be given on joint forest management, plantation on river banks and expansion of greenery schemes for developing urban forest, the official said quoting Khetan.

The meeting reviewed functioning of Chhattisgarh State Medicinal Plant Board and also discussed prospects to merge this board with Bio-Diversity Board, he added.

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