Minister for Forest, Environment and Ecology, Choudhary Lal Singh today called for Collective efforts needed to conserve, promote JK’s green wealth.He was speaking at high level meeting convened to physical and financial achievements of various development works for the year 2017-18 being executed by Forest department and its wings.The meeting was attended by Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Ravi Kesar, Chairman Pollution Control Board B Siddharth Kumar, Chief Wildlife Warden Manoj Panth, Chief Conservator of Forests Farooq Geelani, Director Environment and Remote Sensing O P Sharma, Director SFRI B M Sharma, Managing Director State Forest Corporation Suresh Gupta, Regional Director Wildlife Dr. V S Senthil Kumar, Regional Director Social Forestry Roop Kour Avtar, Conservator West Circle Kh Qamar-ud-Din, Conservator Chenab circle T B Singh besides Divisional Forest Officers of Territorial, Wildlife, and Social Forestry.The Minister said that Government has earmarked Rs. 6.72 crore for improving the basic amenities at Panagar, Thathi and Mahanpur in Basholi town of Kathua district. He informed that various development works are under progress and would be completed within stipulated time frame.
Calling for need based development and quality work, Choudhary Lal Singh stressed on the utilization of allocated funds for various developmental works to the full. He said the officers will be made accountable for implementation of all the programs and schemes in their respective jurisdictions.Meanwhile, Choudhary Lal Singh directed the officers to put their sincere efforts in developing all the established nurseries across the Jammu region by planting 1 crore different saplings for plantation drive to be held in rainy season next year.The Minister said that J&K state is blessed with abundant natural affluence and resources and it becomes moral responsibility of all to contribute collectively for its preservation. He emphasized on the need to make people aware about the importance of saving forests in larger interest of the state.Choudhary Lal Singh directed the officers to immediately start the fencing work of the forest land and plant saplings of fruit plants, mulberry, Sisso, Tun, Amla, Guava, Jamun etc to avoid and check encroachments. He directed the concerned forest officers to develop view points at the potential locations to attract visitors.The Minister directed to ensure proper grafting of pyrus species. He said that the steps taken by the Government to curb encroachment of forest land have proved very fruitful.