Javed Rana chairs meeting of forest department; asks for streamlining of HR management

JAMMU: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmad Rana, today chaired a comprehensive review meeting of all sectors of the forest department at Civil Secretariat Jammu.

The meeting was attended by Commissioner Secretary, Forest, Ecology & Environment; Principal Chief Conservator of Forests J&K; PCCF/Director, Soil & Water Conservation Department; PCCF (WL)/Chief Wildlife Warden; Chairman, JK Pollution Control Committee; Director, Forest Research Institute; Secretary in Department of Forest, Ecology & Environment; Director, Forest Protection Force; Director, Social Forestry; Managing Director, J&K FDC; Director, Ecology, Environment & Remote Sensing Department; Chief Conservator of Forests, Jammu/Kashmir; Chief Conservator of Forests, Planning & Projects; Chief Executive Director, WUCMA, Kashmir; Regional Wildlife Warden, Jammu/Kashmir; Director Finance, Forest, Ecology & Environment Department; Special Secretary, Forest, Ecology & Environment Department and Additional Secretary, Forest, Ecology & Environment.

During the meeting, detailed discussions were held on Human Resource (HR) management in various wings of Forest Department. Addressing the officers, Javed Rana sought details of sanctioned, in-position and vacant posts in the department and the steps taken by the HoDs to address the issues on this account. He urged upon all the HoDs to maintain accountability and transparency, ensuring administrative efficiency and timely resolution of employee related matters.

Emphasising the need for time bound promotion in the department to ensure career progression for the deserving employees, the Minister sought actionable solutions from the officers. He said there should be no unnecessary delay in appointment by promotion and filling of vacancies. He said that vacant posts should be immediately referred to the recruitment agencies for efficient running of the forest department. He said that there is a need to pursue court cases rigorously and end litigation which is hampering HR management.

During the meeting, physical and financial progress of key flagship schemes was also reviewed.  Besides, detailed review of Greening Jammu and Kashmir initiative was held and its impact on increasing forest cover as per the National Forest Policy was also deliberated upon. The Minister also emphasised long term strategy for reducing dependence on external wood supplies and enhancing self-sufficiency. He also reviewed the enforcement actions including closure orders, environment compensations and compliance improvements. He said that significant focus should be given towards achieving Clean Air Action Plans in major urban centres.

Maintaining that steps need to be taken to strengthen forest dependent communities and tribal engagement, Rana asked the officers to swiftly address pending claims under the Forest Rights Act, filed by forest dwellers. 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 and mitigation measures need to be taken beforehand.  He also directed the officers for optimum utilisation of available resources for revenue generation and sustainable livelihoods created through eco-tourism and forest recreation.

Discussions were also held on progress in developing high quality planting material through advanced research and capacity building programs for forest officers and frontline staff. Rana said that saplings of important species should be raised every year for supply to the forest department and other user agencies for coverage of forest area. During the meeting, detailed presentation was given highlighting the achievements of various wings of the department.