Himachal to use GPS to protect forests

State Forest Minister J P Nadda on Tuesday said global positioning system GPS technology would be used to protect forests in the state. This will replace the wireless system and will help in better surveillance against forest fires and encroachments and will facilitate monitoring of new plantations, he added. Setting up 11 new Van Thanas and a Forest Development Agency for funding of joint forest management schemes and construction of nearly 200 Van Sarovars are among the steps being taken to secure the green cover.