Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmad Rana, today impressed upon the officers to ensure effective implementation of Forest Rights Act in Jammu and Kashmir.

He was speaking during a meeting held at Civil Secretariat here to discuss issues related to welfare of tribals in Jammu and Kashmir.

The meeting was attended by Secretary, Tribal Affairs Department, Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, Deputy Commissioner, Jammu, Commissioner, Jammu Municipal Corporation, Vice Chairman, Jammu Development Authority, Director, Tribal Affairs and other officers.

While addressing the meeting, Javed Rana said that the forests and tribals have co-existed for generations and we should not ignore the importance of tribals. "We are committed for empowerment of tribals and implementation of Forest Rights Act is a step towards that direction," he maintained.

Rana said that we have to safeguard the rights of tribals and work in a mission mode for their development and betterment. He assured that Tribal rights in land and forests shall be respected.

Javed Rana also instructed the concerned divisional officers in Jammu to resolve public issues and grievances with empathy and ensure rights of tribals over land and their livelihood are protected at all costs. He also directed the officers to expedite the construction of Tribal Bhawan ensuring project's timely completion.

During the meeting, the Minister was informed about various schemes, physical and financial position of the department, digital interventions besides challenges and subsequent strategies to overcome those challenges.

Other matters that came up for discussion during the meeting included status of water supply, green spaces and water bodies under the AMRUT-2 scheme.