Underscoring the need for development that aligns with environmental conservation, Minister for Forest, Javed Ahmed Rana, today reviewed the Forest Department’s proposals and action plan during a meeting at Civil Secretariat Jammu.

The meeting was attended by Commissioner Secretary Forests Ecology and Environment, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests JK, Secretary in Forest Department and Director Finance, Forest Ecology and Environment.

Javed Rana called for effective strategies that lead to sustainable development while taking into consideration environmental concerns along with economic prosperity.

Reaffirming Government’s commitment towards balancing ecological preservation with economic and social development, Rana said that the proposals of the department should be aligned in line with the sustainable development of the region. He stressed the importance of conducting comprehensive studies and assessments to ensure sustainable development. He said that there is a significant need of conducting the study of value of forest of J&K, research and livelihood and these things should be reflected in the proposals of the department.

During the meeting, detailed deliberations were held on the proposals including development of migratory routes and implementation of scientific fodder production to support pastoral communities. He called for submitting of a detailed DPR for effective soil and water conservation in Kandi region.

For conservation of Medicinal plants in the Shivalik Region, Rana asked for roping in Forest Research Institute that have expertise in the field to suggest the type of plants that can be grown there. He also called for establishment of having a larger training facilities at Jammu and Srinagar.

The Minister also called for preparation of a comprehensive project for conservation of water bodies including Wular Lake, Gharana Wetlands etc.

Additionally, up-gradation of Kashmir Forest Training Institute at Chittenar District Bandipora, in line with Tamil Nadu Forest Academy and Kundal Academy in Maharastra also came up for discussion.

Javed Rana further said that there is a need to attach high importance to addressing the challenges of climate change.

Other proposals that were deliberated upon included proposal for Forest Resource Management using Al and remote sensing to plan water harvesting structures, afforestation outcomes, fire prevention etc under Centrally Sponsored Scheme, allocation of funds under CAMPA and Green India Missio