Minister for Forest, Ecology and Environment, Choudhary Lal Singh today conducted extensive tour of Ramban district and inspected four lanning work on National Highway in Ramban and Banihal areas.He also chaired a meeting of officers of forest department and its allied wings and laid foundation stone of Forest Hut at Patnitop.The Minister was accompanied by Member Legislative Assembly (MLA) Ramban Neelam Kumar Lengeh, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest, Ravi Kumar Kesar, District Development Commissioner Ramban Tariq Hussain Ganai, Senior Superintendent of Police Mohan Lal, Chief Conservator Jammu S F A Gellani, Conservator Chenab Circle Doda T B Singh and HoDs of Forests and its allied wings .The Minister exhorted upon the officers for restoration of degraded forest areas and sustainable development of the state. He asked the department to ensure that the scenic splendour and natural resources are taken care of while executing different development projects in the State.Issuing strict instructions, the Minister stressed on keeping close check against dumping of muck in forest land, water bodies and other areas that may disturb the eco-system.
Lal Singh directed the DFOs to ensure fencing of forest area and close vigil on all illegal activities in forest area. He expressed serious concern over lackadaisical attitude of officers in following his directions regarding fencing of forest area, demarcation of forest land and proper dumping of muck and upkeep of natural resources.He asked the field officers to ask the contractor companies to strictly adhere to the terms and conditions adding that no violation will be tolerated in this regard. He directed the DFO Ramban and Batote to launch a special plantation drive to cover mountains and hills in their respective areas.The Minister also reviewed the status of implementation of directions issued by him in his last meeting including demarcation forest area in Patnitop. He directed the DFO Batote to construct foot paths along the forest area so that no one can damage the forest.He reviewed status of availability of timber and fire wood in all divisions of Chenab region. He also took stock of progress of restoration and development works in different divisions.