Minister for Forests, Ecology and Environment, Choudhary Lal Singh today asked the officers of Forest Department to prepare a working plan of each forest area for knowing the forests assets adding that forests are primarily maintained for ecological services it provides by way of maintaining ecosystem, carbon sequestration, maintenance of Ozone layer, maintenance of bio-deversity and ecotourism.This was stated by the Minister while interacting with the officers of Forest Department at Faral village of Kathua district after inspecting the Forest Enclosure in the area, here today.Choudhary Lal Singh directed the officers to construct one pond for irrigation purpose in the Forest enclosure for regular irrigation of the saplings.To manage the forests of the State in accordance with the strategies listed in the J&K State Forest Policy, the Minister directed the Divisional Forest Officer Kathua to prepare estimates for construction of approach road to Faral village forest and submit the same for funding so that the construction work on the road is started soon for the convenience of the visting tourists.
Choudhary Lal Singh instructed to plant about 50,000 plants in each forest enclosure during monsoon like Deodar, Kail, Cuppres and Ornamental trees. He impressed upon the field functionaries to put in their best effort in protecting the forest assets, saying that J&K State is blessed with rich natural resources which play pivotal role in our day-to-day life and also contribute tremendously in State’s economy.The Minister called upon the officers to speed up the anti-encroachment drive and retrieve the encroached land from the unscrupulous elements. He directed for maintaining close vigil on the activities of the timber smugglers to curb the menace of timber theft.Assuring better working environment in the offices and proper justice to everyone, the Minister said that PDP-BJP Government was committed to safeguard the interest of employees and instructions have been circulated at the higher level to take all necessary steps for the welfare of all categories of employees. He, however, made it clear that merit, hard work and integrity will be benchmark for the promotions and suitable postings. He said good work of the employees will be duly acknowledged and they will be suitably rewarded, and poor performers will face the action as well, he asserted.
A number of delegations, most of them from Gujjar and Bakerwal Community, met the Minister and apprised him about their problems. He assured availability of adequate ration and other essentials on the Government run sale out-lets. He said a massive development plan has been formulated by the Government for the upliftment of people living in rural and hilly areas of the State.Later, at Jammu, the Minister also paid rich tributes to architect of Indian Constitution, Dr B R Ambedkar at a function held at Ambedkar Chowk, here this afternoon.Speaking on the occasion, Choudhary Lal Singh said that Dr Ambedkar’s contribution is matchless and inspiration for the entire world. A large number of people of Gandhi Nagar constituency were present on the occasion and paid rich tributes to Dr. B R Ambedkar.