District Development Commissioner Udhampur Niraj Kumar today emphasized on the need for optimum use and management of Natural resource as well as better Solid Waste Management to protect the local environment.The Minister was speaking at a meeting of district officers convened to discuss the implementation of 14th Finance Commission (FC). The DDC said that the need of the hour is to tap the renewable sources of energy like wind and solar energy for boosting the economy and protect the environment from further degradation.Detailed discussions were held on various important issues like promotion of organic fertilizers including Vermi composting in the district and discouraging the use of chemical fertilizers, Solid waste management, Development of orchards and recreation parks by working in convergence with Horticulture and Social Forestry departments. He also suggested for development of villages as mini ecosystems.Highlighting various features of the 14 FC, the DC said that the main objective of this scheme is to augment the basic facilities by generating new sources of income.
He said that the 14 FC decentralizes authority with a view to accelerate the pace of developmental programmes and encourage people’s participation in the process of development. The scheme supports and promotes self governance by providing funding support to PRIs, he added.The DC who is also the Chairman of District Level Group directed the various officers present in the meeting to work in close coordination for effective implementation of the decisions taken in the meeting at ground level. Emphasizing on the skill development of the rural people, the DDC stressed upon the concerned authority to encourage and promote traditional Crafts like weaving of blankets in Basantgarh area.The meeting also discussed in detail steps for promotion of tourism at various ancient heritage sites of Udhampur district.Joint Director Planning Rakesh Jamwal, ACD Joginder Singh, PO DRDA Jagdish C. Mehra, CHO, CAO District Panchayat Officer, DFO Social Forestry, Ex-Ens PHE, PWD and other district officers from different departments attended the meeting.