JAMMU, January: Javed Ahmad Rana, the Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, presided over a thorough review meeting of all branches within the forest department at the Civil Secretariat in Jammu.
The meeting featured in-depth discussions regarding Human Resource (HR) management across various sections of the Forest Department.
In addressing the officers, Javed Rana requested information on sanctioned, filled, and vacant positions within the department, alongside the actions taken by the Heads of Departments (HoDs) to resolve related issues. He urged all HoDs to uphold accountability and transparency, ensuring administrative efficiency and timely resolution of employee-related concerns.
Stressing the importance of timely promotions within the department to facilitate career advancement for deserving employees, the Minister called for practical solutions from the officers. He insisted that there should be no unnecessary delays in promotions and filling vacancies. Furthermore, he stated that vacant posts should be referred to recruitment agencies promptly to ensure the effective functioning of the forest department. Additionally, he highlighted the need for vigorous pursuit of court cases to resolve litigation issues that hinder HR management.
Progress on both physical and financial aspects of key flagship schemes was also reviewed during the meeting. A comprehensive review of the Greening Jammu and Kashmir initiative was conducted, focusing on its impact on increasing forest cover in accordance with the National Forest Policy.
The Minister underscored the significance of establishing a long-term strategy to reduce reliance on external wood supplies while boosting self-sufficiency. He also assessed enforcement actions, including closure directives, environmental compensations, and compliance enhancements. He emphasized the importance of implementing Clean Air Action Plans in major urban centers.
Acknowledging the need to fortify forest-dependent communities and enhance tribal engagement, Rana directed officers to promptly resolve outstanding claims made under the Forest Rights Act by forest dwellers.
While reviewing measures for forest protection, Rana indicated that the mechanisms for preventing and managing forest fires have become increasingly crucial due to adverse climatic conditions, warranting proactive mitigation steps. He also instructed officers to optimize the use of available resources to generate revenue and promote sustainable livelihoods through eco-tourism and forest recreation.
Discussions also covered progress in creating high-quality planting materials through advanced research and capacity-building programs for forest officers and frontline staff.
Rana stated that saplings of significant species should be cultivated annually to supply the forest department and other user agencies for forest area coverage.
The meeting included a detailed presentation highlighting the achievements of various wings of the department.
Attending the meeting were the Commissioner Secretary for Forest, Ecology & Environment; the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests J&K; the PCCF/Director of the Soil & Water Conservation Department; the PCCF (WL)/Chief Wildlife Warden; the Chairman of the JK Pollution Control Committee; the Director of the Forest Research Institute; the Secretary in the Department of Forest, Ecology & Environment; the Director of the Forest Protection Force; the Director of Social Forestry; the Managing Director of J&K FDC; the Director of Ecology, Environment & Remote Sensing Department; the Chief Conservator of Forests for Jammu/Kashmir; the Chief Conservator of Forests for Planning & Projects; the Chief Executive Director of WUCMA, Kashmir; the Regional Wildlife Warden for Jammu/Kashmir; the Director of Finance for the Forest, Ecology & Environment Department; the Special Secretary for Forest, Ecology & Environment Department; and the Additional Secretary for Forest, Ecology & Environment.
