Minster for Forests, Ecology and Environment Choudhary Lal Singh today stressed on the need for formulation of area wise forest development plans to save the state’s green cover.“Formulate working plans for each forest area and prepare inventory of forests assets to save and conserve the green gold” Minister asked Forest department during inspection of Environment Park Janipur. The Minister also directed the officers to construct ponds and dig hand pumps for irrigation purpose in each Forest enclosure and nursery for regular irrigation of the saplings in summer season. Inspecting the Environment Park, the Minister called for creation of special recreational facilities for the school children, who visit these parks for excursions etc, but without causing any harm to the natural topography. He instructed the concerned to upgrade the existing facilities to make the place more attractive. He said environment parks are the lungs of the Jammu city which need to be equipped with basic amenities, relaxing and viewing spots, landscaping and plantation of composite species including herbal trees, rain shelters and public utilities.
Later, addressing a public gathering at Haria Chak in Kathua district, the Minister appealed the people to protect the green cover as their own wealth. He said the Government was making all out efforts to cover every open space across the State by carrying out massive plantation.He further stressed on managing the forests of the State in accordance with the strategies laid down in the J&K State Forest Policy. The Minister directed the forest functionaries to plant about 50,000 plants in each forest enclosure during coming monsoon. He specially stressed on plantation of Deodar, Kail, Cuppers and Ornamental plants. He impressed upon the field functionaries to put in their best efforts in protecting the forest assets, saying that J&K State is blessed with the rich natural resources which play pivotal role in day-to-day life of people and also contribute tremendously in State’s economy. “It is the duty of everyone associated with the department to protect forests by treating these as own assets” he added.Stressing on expediting forest development projects in Kathua district, he directed the Divisional Forest Officer Kathua to prepare estimates for construction of approach road to Faral village forest. “Submit the estimates so that the construction work on the project was started soon for the convenience of the visiting tourists at the Forest enclosure” he asked DFO.
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.Responding to the demands and problems projected by the deputations. He assured availability of adequate ration and other essentials at the Government run sale out-lets.