New Delhi: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, on Wednesday called on Union Minister for Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, in New Delhi to discuss key environmental and tribal welfare issues concerning Jammu & Kashmir.
Emphasizing the ecological significance of Jammu & Kashmir, which has over 52% of its land under forest cover, Javed Rana sought greater financial assistance and policy support from the central government to protect J&K’s biodiversity and strengthen sustainable development efforts.
During the meeting, Javed Rana highlighted the urgent need for increased funding for forest conservation, soil and water preservation and afforestation programs. He submitted a proposal seeking ?75 crore for soil and water conservation in the Kandi region over the next three years, ?100 crore for development of migratory routes for nomadic grazers and ?50 crore for conserving medicinal plants in the Shivalik region.
Highlighting the increasing risks posed by forest fires, he urged for release of ?10 crore at the beginning of the financial year for fire prevention and management. Additionally, he demanded ?50 crore for conducting a comprehensive study on the ecological and economic value of J&K’s forests, as well as expedited approval for a JICA-backed training facility in Jammu and Srinagar to enhance forest management expertise.
Recognizing the role of technology in modern forestry, Javed Rana sought ?4 crore under a centrally sponsored scheme to leverage AI and remote sensing for forest resource management, afforestation monitoring, fire prevention and water harvesting. He also pushed for a ?300 crore allocation over the next five years under the Climate Change Action Plan to strengthen J&K’s environmental resilience.
Besides, special funding of ?100 crore was also requested for conservation of key water bodies including Wular Lake and Gharana Wetlands.
Additionally, he called for enhanced financial allocations under the Compensatory Afforestation Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) and the Green India Mission to support large-scale afforestation and ecological restoration efforts in the region.
Apart from conservation funding, Rana raised several concerns regarding the forestry sector’s human resource challenges.
The Minister particularly pushed the induction of SFS officers recruited in 2011 into the Indian Forest Service (IFS) to strengthen mid-level management and requested increased allocation of IFS officers under the AGMUT cadre to support J&K’s growing forestry needs.
He further recommended upgrading the Kashmir Forest Training Institute in Bandipora to an academy at par with Tamil Nadu Forest Academy and Kundal Academy in Maharashtra to provide advanced training for forest officers across the country.
The discussion also covered critical policy interventions including the need to restore the powers of the Chairman of J&K Pollution Control Committee (JKPCC) under Section 5 of the Environment Protection Act, 1986.
Rana urged the Union Minister to expedite clearance of over 400 pending cases under the Forest Conservation Act related to the Jal Jeevan Mission, which are awaiting approval at the regional office, so that water infrastructure projects in forested areas can be implemented without further delay.
The Union Minister acknowledged the concerns raised and assured full cooperation from the central government. He reiterated the Centre’s commitment towards strengthening conservation efforts, enhancing financial support for afforestation projects and ensuring that tribal communities receive the benefits they rightfully deserve.
Both leaders agreed on the need for a collaborative approach between the central and J&K governments to implement long-term solutions that balance environmental conservation with economic growth.
The Union Minister assured that the proposals would be considered on priority and necessary steps would be taken to expedite approvals and fund allocations.
Speaking after the meeting, Javed Rana exuded confidence that proactive policymaking and sustained government support would lead to meaningful environmental reforms. He reaffirmed the commitment of J&K Government led by Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, for policies that safeguard J&K’s natural heritage while ensuring the welfare of its tribal and forest-dependent communities.
Meanwhile, Javed Rana also called on Chief Minister of Himachal Pardesh, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, at New Delhi today and discussed issues of common public interest.
The Minister enquired about the strategies employed by Himachal Pradesh for protecting and conserving natural water resources and practices being employed to mitigate soil erosion and landslides.
