Jammu: The Forest department would be establishing three firewood depots in every district, with sufficient quantity of firewood to meet the requisite demands of public and institutions.
The decision was taken in view of the recent directions passed by Forest, Ecology & Environment Minister, Javed Ahmad Rana to ensure adequate availability of firewood across all regions of Jammu and Kashmir for benefit of general public.
The norms for location of depots and availability of firewood will be fixed by Chief Conservator of Forests, Jammu and Chief Conservator of Forests, Kashmir, as per needs.
Javed Rana, who also holds the Jal Shakti and Tribal Affairs portfolios, asked for making all depots functional within a week, with efficient distribution of firewood to combat harsh winter conditions.
As winter tightens up its grip in Kashmir and the winter zone of Jammu, Javed Rana said that easy availability of firewood for the benefit of public becomes crucial. “The move aims to provide essential support to the population, especially during the harsh winter months,” he added.
To further streamline the firewood distribution, Rana called for prioritizing those areas with high demand to alleviate suffering of people.
“The availability of firewood may be ensured with extractions of firewood wherever feasible and if required through inter range and inter division transfer, maintained the Minister.”
