Jammu: Minister for Forests, Ecology and Environment Altaf Ahmad Wani on Wednesday called for involving local communities in forest conservation, stressing that the department’s efforts must translate into visible improvements on the ground.
Chairing an introductory meeting of the Forest Department in Jammu, Wani reviewed its functioning, achievements and future plans, and directed officials to complete pending forest demarcation work within a fixed timeline with the help of modern technology and the Revenue Department.
A presentation at the meeting stated that Jammu and Kashmir has around 54 per cent forest and tree cover, comprising 42 forest types. Its forest cover increased from 20,948.27 square kilometres in 2013 to 21,346.39 sq km in 2023, recording a gain of 398.12 sq km.
The minister appreciated the department’s efforts to expand green cover and adopt e-governance initiatives, including PARIVESH, the CAMPA portal, National Transit Permit System, e-Behak Grazing Pass and Van Rakshak App. He, however, stressed the need to ensure that these initiatives deliver results on the ground.
Expressing concern over forest fires, Wani directed officials to establish a robust response mechanism and organise awareness camps in vulnerable villages with the involvement of Panchayati Raj Institutions, Biodiversity Management Committees and Village Forest Committees. He also called for training local youth as first responders.
On staff welfare, he directed the department to expedite Departmental Promotion Committee meetings at all levels, saying employees should not face delays in career progression.
The minister also asked officials to prepare an inventory of the department’s movable and immovable assets, including forest huts, eco-parks, nurseries, buildings, vehicles and machinery, within a fortnight to ensure their optimum utilisation.
He reviewed eco-tourism projects, including eco-parks at Mansar, Surankote and Nandan, besides proposed trekking routes such as Bungus-Drangyari, Aharbal-Kausar Nag and Harmukh. He asked the department to prepare a focused action plan for 2027-28.
The meeting was attended by Commissioner Secretary, Forests, Ecology and Environment, Sheetal Nanda; Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force, J&K, Sarvesh Rai; and other senior officers.
