Forests are lifeline of J&K, must be conserved with human touch involving local communities: Altaf Wani

• Chairs introductory meeting, reviews functioning, stresses on demarcation, staff welfare, fire management

JAMMU: Minister for Forests, Ecology & Environment, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj,  Altaf Ahmad Wani, today chaired a detailed sector-wise introductory meeting of the Forest Department at Jammu to take stock of its functioning, achievements and future roadmap.

The meeting was attended by Sheetal Nanda, Commissioner Secretary, Forests, Ecology & Environment; Sarvesh Rai, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests & Head of Forest Force, J&K; Dr. M.K. Kumar, Chief Conservator of Forests, Central; Dr. V.S. Senthil Kumar, Chief Conservator of Forests, Jammu; Irfan Rasool, Chief Conservator of Forests, Kashmir and other senior officers of the department.

A comprehensive presentation was made before the Minister highlighting that J&K has a forest and tree cover of about 54% with 42 forest types, the highest growing stock of 172.46 cum per hectare in the country and per capita forest area of 0.16 ha. It was informed that the forest cover has increased from 20,948.27 sq km in 2013 to 21,346.39 sq km in 2023, registering a gain of 398.12 sq km.

While appreciating the efforts of the department in increasing the green cover and in taking e-governance initiatives like PARIVESH, CAMPA portal, National Transit Permit System, e-Behak Grazing Pass and Van Rakshak App, the Minister stressed that field reality must reflect on ground. He said forests are the lifeline of Jammu & Kashmir and need to be conserved with a human touch involving local communities.

The Minister laid special emphasis on demarcation of forests, terming it the most critical and basic activity. He directed that the remaining demarcation work be completed in a time-bound manner with the help of modern technology and Revenue Department.

Expressing concern over increasing incidents of forest fires, Wani directed the department to put in place a robust Forest Fire Response Mechanism. He asked to organize awareness camps in vulnerable villages with active involvement of Panchayati Raj Institutions, Biodiversity Management Committees and Village Forest Committees. He said local youth should be trained as first responders.

On staff welfare, the Minister issued clear directions that all DPCs at all levels must be expedited without any delay. He said career progression is the right of every employee and no file should remain pending. He also directed that a comprehensive inventory of movable and immovable assets of the department including forest huts, eco-parks, nurseries, buildings, vehicles and machinery be compiled and submitted within a fortnight to ensure optimum utilization.

The Minister also reviewed progress under eco-tourism projects like development of eco-parks at Mansar, Surankote, Nandan etc. and new trek routes including Bungus-Drangyari, Aharbal-Kausar Nag and Harmukh. He asked the department to come up with a focused action plan for the year 2027-28.