The Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has called upon the people of all sections of society to contribute their mite in protection and conservation of forests, which is the duty of each and everyone. In his message on the occasion of Van Mahotsav-2008, the Chief Minister said that in addition to planting saplings people should also help check illegal felling. The Chief Minister said that forests give a distinct identity to Madhya Pradesh. Rural people have been made active partner through over 14 thousand Joint Forest Management Committees in management of forests. These committees are engaged in management of 60 thousand square kilometer forest area. The Chief Minister hoped that Van Mahotsav-2008 would further intensify the campaign for protection of forests and plantation.