15 persons have been conferred with Indira Priyadarshini Vriksha Mitra Awards for the year 2006, 2007 and 2008 in different categories at a function in New Delhi ton Thursday. They include three new awards which have been instituted in the category of geographical area for 2008. These wards were given to them for their exemplary works in the field of forest extension. Giveing away the awards, the Minister of State for Environment and Forests Mr. Jairam Ramesh said that a lot of initiatives have been taken by the Ministry of conservation of forests. He said that around 24 per cent of the total geographical area are covered under forests. He said that the government ambitious plan to achieve 33 percent forest cover will be achieved within next ten years. Mr Ramesh also undrlined the need to launch massive green missiom campaign from all the stakeholders at all level of the society to meet the goal.<br/><br/>