Forest conservation measures reviewed

Minister for Forest, Ecology & Environment, Javed Ahmed Rana, convened a meeting at Jammu to review functioning of the Forest Department.

He reviewed the department’s activities and discussed various aspects of forest management, including conservation efforts, ‘Ek Ped Maa ke Naam’, protection measures, community engagement, sustainable development and community social responsibility.

Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Suresh Kumar Gupta, gave a brief on the department’s activities and highlighted the achievements of the forest department. During the meeting, physical and financial progress on key flagship schemes was also reviewed.

While reviewing the forest protection measures, Rana said that forest fire prevention and management mechanisms have gained added significance due to the adverse climatic conditions. He emphasised the need of initiating innovative mitigation measures on this account.

The Minister stressed on raising awareness and ensuring coordination among various wings of the Forest Department for achieving tangible progress. He also emphasised the active involvement of locals in forest fire control operations.

Maintaining that steps need to be taken to strengthen forest dependent communities and tribal engagement, Rana instructed to swiftly address the pending claims under the Forest Rights Act, filed by forest dwellers. He also had a detailed assessment of traditional as well as modern ways in which forest department provides services to the people dependent on forest resources.

He directed for optimum utilisation of available resources for revenue generation and sustainable livelihoods created through eco-tourism and forest recreation.

While reviewing the Greening Jammu and Kashmir initiative, Rana said that it should be carried out for increasing forest cover as per the National Forest Policy. The Minister also directed for fast-tracking the green clearances for projects of significant public interest and aggressive compensatory afforestation without exceptions.

During the meeting, detailed discussions were held on Human Resource (HR) management in various wings of Forest Department.

Rana urged upon the PCCF to maintain accountability and transparency, ensuring administrative efficiency and timely resolution of employee related matters.