JAMMU: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary today chaired a meeting of the Sub-Committee constituted to examine the issues related to Gair Mumkin Khads in Jammu and Kashmir.
The meeting, held at the Civil Secretariat, Jammu, was attended by Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs Departments, Javed Ahmad Rana and Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, Cooperative and Election Departments, Javid Ahmad Dar, as members of the Sub-Committee.
Additional Chief Secretary, Jal Shakti Department, Shaleen Kabra, briefed the Sub-Committee on the current status of Gair Mumkin Khads and the challenges associated with their identification, protection and management.
Speaking on the occasion, the Deputy Chief Minister emphasised the need for taking pro-public and pragmatic decisions to ensure amicable redress of genuine issues faced by the people. He stressed that the policy interventions must strike a balance between environmental protection and safeguarding the livelihoods and property rights of citizens.
The Sub-Committee discussed in detail the existing status of Gair Mumkin Khads, Daryas and Nallahs, along with related concerns to provide relief to the general public wherever required.
The Deputy Chief Minister called for sensitisation of all stakeholders and directed for proper scientific mapping of Gair Mumkin Khads, Nallahs and adjacent non-cultivable waste lands.
The meeting also discussed climatic challenges and measures being taken to mitigate climatic impact on the environment, human life and properties.
The Deputy Chief Minister asked for a comprehensive mapping of flood-prone areas to strengthen disaster preparedness and mitigate risks. He further instructed the concerned departments to take stringent action against the illegal encroachments and ensure the retrieval of encroached land across Jammu and Kashmir in a time-bound manner.
The members of the Sub-Committee put forth their valuable suggestions and highlighted various public concerns requiring urgent attention.
Among others, the meeting was attended by the Special Secretary, Jal Shakti and other concerned officers.
