J&K approves diversion of forest land for water supply schemes

The Jammu and Kashmir Government has approved diversion of more than 10 hectare of forest land for various Water Supply Schemes (WSS) in Doda and Udhampur districts of Jammu region.

According to official, the J&K government decision has come after the clearance of Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change (MoEFCC).

According to officials, the projects mostly pertained to water supply infrastructure projects related to Jal Jeevan Mission for augmentation of water supply schemes in the districts.

A spokesperson said that clearance has been given for diversion of 1.23 hectare of forest land of Social Forestry Division, Baramulla, for Srinagar-Baramulla-Uri road.

Recently, after a high level meeting of Union Forest Minister Bhupender Yadav and J&K Forest Minister Javed Rana, MoEFCC moved promptly and expedited Phase-III clearance of the projects on February 1st and accordingly J&K Forest Department has approved diversion of requisitioned forest land subject to compensatory afforestation.

Rana had recently met Union Forest Minister in New Delhi and urged him to expedite the clearance of pending cases under the Forest Conservation Act related to Jal Jeevan Mission, awaiting Phase-III clearance at the regional office, so that water infrastructure projects in forested areas can be implemented without further delay.

To expedite completion of Jal Jeevan Mission that aims to provide tap water connection to every household, six projects that have been cleared included Water Supply Schemes Chigla Balota, Chakal, Tikri, Kund, Chatrari besides improvement and augmentation of WSS Lalli, said the spokesperson.

The Forest (Conservation) Act (FCA) 1980, a crucial law to conserve forests and biodiversity in India, requires obtaining “prior clearance from the Central government for any project or activity that involves clearing forest land.” The Act helps in striking a balance between development and environmental protection by ensuring sustainable use of forest resources, said officials.

According to Rana, these projects had been carefully reviewed to ensure compliance with environmental norms, reflecting the government’s balanced approach to development and conservation. He also commended the Forest Department and other concerned authorities for their proactive efforts in expediting the clearance process without compromising on environmental conservation.