SRINAGAR: The Departmental Related Standing Committee (DSRC) of Jammu and Kashmir, Legislative Council, Monday directed the officers of forest department and its allied wings to ensure protection and conservation of green wealth in the State. The Committee which met under the Chairmanship of MLC Mr. Saif-ud-din Bhat here to discussed the Mission Document of Climate Change besides reviewed the overall functioning of the department.
Legislators, Dr. B. A. Shah Veeri, Mr Showkat Hussain Ganie, Mr Surinder Ambardar and Mr M. Muzaffar Parrey attended the meeting and gave their valuable suggestions. Threadbare discussions was held on various issues including progress made in the mission document of climate change, afforestation and initiatives being taken to bring awareness among general masses about affects of climate change.
The panel stressed on afforestation to ensure increase in green wealth of the state. It also stressed on launching awareness campaigns about climatic change and pollution concerns by holding seminars, workshops and through print and electronic media. It was given out in the meeting that Government of India has sanctioned Rs 2.5 crore for establishment of Climate Change Centre in the State.
Principal Secretary, Forest Mr. R. K. Gupta briefed the Committee about the activities of the forest department and its allied wings. Among others, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Mr. A. K. Singh, Chairman Pollution Control Board, Mr. Abdul Razak, Additional CCF and Director Environment and Remote Sensing, Mr. Suresh Chug and other senior officers of Council Secretariat were present on the occasion.