Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur on Sunday sought Union government’s approval for two schemes of the Himachal Pradesh government that are aimed at conserving natural resources from climatic changes.

He raised these demands during a meeting withUnion Environment, Forests and Climate Change minister Dr Harsh Vardhan in New Delhi on Sunday.

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Thakur said the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development has sent schemes worth Rs 1644 crore to the ministry for approval. “Of these, one ambitious scheme worth Rs 1125 crore is aimed at water conservation and community management of natural sources of water. While the second scheme aims at management of forests as per climatic changes,” he said.

He also sought funding to the tune of Rs 57 crore under Natural Adaptation Fund for Climate Change for three other schemes.

The schemes aim to curb the trend glaciers melting in Parvati Valley and curbing the possible threat of floods due to the phenomena, promoting climatically adapted agriculture and horticulture and initiating medicinal plants farming Great Himalayan National Park to maintain ecological balance in Kullu district.He informed Dr Harsh Vardhan that the government is keeping close watch on schemes that are prepared for conservation of forests, water and other natural resources.

“Himachal government is committed to preserve natural resources and continuous efforts are being made in the direction,” he said.

The Chief Minister said Himachal has emerged as role model in conserving greenery in the state as around 66 percent of the total area is under forest cover. “Himachal is known for green cover and continuous development worldwide and five rivers of the state provides employment to over 20 crore people of the country,” he said.

In order to maintain the continuous flow of water and conserve natural resources, it is necessary to grant approval for these schemes which are aimed at tackling drought and flood like situations in the state, he added.

Dr Harsh Vardhan assured Thakur of all possible help in conserving natural resources from climatic changes in the state.