By Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 19: Javed Ahmad Rana, the Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment, and Tribal Affairs, urged officers to ensure the effective implementation of the Forest Rights Act in Jammu and Kashmir. He made these comments during a meeting at the Civil Secretariat focused on the welfare of tribals in the region.
The meeting included the Secretary of the Tribal Affairs Department, the Divisional Commissioner of Jammu, the Deputy Commissioner of Jammu, the Commissioner of Jammu Municipal Corporation, the Vice Chairman of the Jammu Development Authority, the Director of Tribal Affairs, among other officials.
In his address, Javed Rana emphasized the historical coexistence of forests and tribal communities, highlighting the necessity of recognizing tribal rights. He stated, “Our commitment lies in empowering tribal communities, and implementing the Forest Rights Act is a significant move toward that goal.”
Rana asserted the need to protect tribal rights and tackle development challenges in a focused manner. He assured that the rights of tribals concerning land and forests will be upheld.
Furthermore, Javed Rana instructed the relevant divisional officers in Jammu to address public concerns with compassion and to ensure the safeguarding of tribal entitlements related to land and sustenance. He also called for the speedy completion of the Tribal Bhawan construction project.
During the meeting, the Minister received updates regarding various initiatives, the physical and financial status of the department, digital advancements, as well as challenges and strategies for overcoming them.
Other topics discussed included the status of water supply and the enhancement of green spaces and water bodies under the AMRUT-2 scheme.
