JAMMU: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmad Rana, today emphasised strenuous efforts for making Jammu Kashmir Forest Development Corporation Limited (JKFDCL), a self-reliant and profit-earning organisation.
The Minister was chairing a meeting held to review the performance and functioning of JKFDCL at the Civil Secretariat here.
While addressing the meeting, Javed Rana said that the JKFDCL has huge potential for revenue generation and steps should be taken to make the corporation self-reliant.
Emphasising the need for utilising the assets more effectively making JKFDCL a much more profitable entity, the Minister stated that there is no dearth of resources but the need is to optimally explore and exploit those for enhanced revenue generation. He called for immediate and long-term interventions to limit the import of timber. He asked the JKFDCL to initiate a slew of measures to meet the timber requirement in J&K from our own resources while maintaining the ecological balance.
The Minister also asked for the development of barren lands saying that more focus should be laid on conservation and social forestry in non-forest areas. He also instructed the officials to prevent the occurrence of forest fires.
During the meeting, Managing Director JKFDCL gave a presentation about the functioning highlighting the challenges faced by the Corporation. He said that JKFDCL is meeting the requirement of timber and firewood for locals besides ensuring supply to government departments.
Javed Rana also reviewed the conservation measures undertaken for cthe leaning and beautification of Wular Lake. He emphasised the importance of wetlands for maintaining ecological balance. He said that wetlands play a vital role in water purification, flood control and providing habitat for biodiversity.
He directed the officials to develop and undertake all necessary measures that address the challenges faced by the lake besides promoting sustainable use of these resources. He called for taking all necessary measures to preserve and conserve the Wular Lake. He also asked the officers to explore sustainable ways of generating revenue from the water body. He said that a survey should be conducted on the thriving fish species in the lake and migratory birds and other food products like water chestnuts and lotus stems, that provide sustenance to 30 surrounding villages.
Considering the adverse climatic conditions, Javed Rana said that there is an enhanced need for improving the water quality of the lake, besides focusing on waste management from catchment areas. He said that Wular Lake is a safe haven for migratory birds and that strong vigilance be maintained against the poaching of these birds.
During the meeting, CED WUCMA gave a detailed presentation highlighting ongoing conservation efforts besides various works targeted for the current financial year.
