KULGAM: Deputy commissioner Kulgam Dr Shamim Ahmad Wani today stressed for zero tolerance against timber smuggling and directed for formation of joint Revenue and Forest teams to remove encroachments from forest land. The DC said this while chairing a joint meeting of revenue and forest department at DC Office. ADC, SDM Noorabad, CEO, DFO, and all Tehsildars and range officers were present on the occasion.
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It was decided in the meeting that forest officers in consultation with Tehsildars will jointly identify suitable vacant patches of State land forafforestation and augmenting green cover in the district. Dr Shamim also directed that joint teams of revenue and forest officers/officials will remove encroachment on the spots already identified by the forest department. The meeting was informed that nearly 120 hectares of forest land has been encroached at different locations for which the meeting, after expressing concern, decided to bring such patches under already ongoing anti-encroachment drive.
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It was decided that DFO Special Demarcation Division Srinagar will be approached to demarcate forest land at such places where disputes have arisen with regard to the title of land and DFO was directed to increase the ambit of awareness programs for sensitizing people in general and youngsters in particular regarding the prime importance of forest in maintaining ecological balance and conserving flora & fauna. Directions were passed to activate the field staff to ensure zero tolerance to timber smuggling.
Dr Wani directed Chief Education Officer to organize debates and seminars in all educational institutes to promote awareness about the importance of environment and ecology. He also highlighted the role of officers in conserving green gold and maintaining ecology.