SRINAGAR: Minister for Forest, Ecology & Environment, Javed Ahmed Rana, today chaired a review meeting at Civil Secretariat, here to assess the functioning and progress of the Forest department in Anantnag, Kulgam and Pulwama districts.
The meeting focused on evaluating ongoing initiatives of afforestation, eco-tourism development, soil and water conservation, protection of forest assets and role of community engagement in sustainable management of natural resources.
The Minister took stock of the achievements made so far and deliberated on key areas requiring further attention and improvement.
In light of the growing environmental challenges, especially those posed by climate change, the Minister underscored the urgent need to enhance the green cover in South Kashmir.
He directed the concerned Divisional Forest Officers to accord top priority to plantation drives, formulate detailed and area-specific plantation plans.
Emphasizing that the sustainability and survival of plantations are just as important as plantation itself, he instructed the department to integrate post-plantation care and monitoring mechanisms to ensure long-term impact and ecological restoration.
Reaffirming Omar Abdullah-led Government’s commitment to forest-based sustainability and improving livelihoods, Rana called for intensified afforestation and rejuvenation efforts across districts.
He emphasized the need for robust Information, Education and Communication (IEC) campaigns to raise environmental awareness, urging the active participation of local communities, educational institutions and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in such initiatives.
The Minister also reviewed the status of pending forest clearances for developmental projects and stressed the importance of streamlining the approval process and vigorous follow-up to ensure timely clearances for critical infrastructure projects like water supply, road connectivity and community development, while ensuring that environmental safeguards are not compromised in the process.
Rana placed special emphasis on soil conservation and social forestry activities, noting their crucial role in preventing soil erosion, improving groundwater recharge and generating sustainable livelihoods for forest-dependent communities.
He highlighted the importance of integrating these activities into broader climate resilience and rural development frameworks.
The Minister further reviewed the district-wise implementation of the Forest Rights Act (FRA), with particular focus on the recognition and documentation of both individual and community forest rights.
He directed the Forest department to maintain close coordination with the Revenue and Tribal Affairs Departments to facilitate timely processing of claims, effective grievance redressal and proper documentation of pending cases.
In a bid to boost eco-tourism in South Kashmir, Rana called for the identification and development of new potential eco-tourism sites.
He underlined the role of local youth in managing and promoting eco-tourism initiatives, stressing that such ventures not only create sustainable employment opportunities but also foster greater awareness and responsibility towards the conservation of forests and natural ecosystems.
The Minister reiterated the government’s resolve to strengthen forest governance and conservation efforts across Jammu & Kashmir, ensuring a balanced approach between development needs and environmental sustainability.
