Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 22: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest Ecology & Environment, and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, convened a thorough review meeting encompassing all sectors of the Forest Department at the Civil Secretariat here.
The meeting saw participation from the Commissioner Secretary, Forest, Ecology & Environment; Principal Chief Conservator of Forests J&K; PCCF/Director, Soil & Water Conservation Department; PCCF (WL)/Chief Wildlife Warden; Chairman, JK Pollution Control Committee; Director, Forest Research Institute; Secretary in the Department of Forest, Ecology & Environment; Director, Forest Protection Force; Director, Social Forestry; Managing Director, J&K FDC; Director, Ecology, Environment & Remote Sensing Department; Chief Conservator of Forests from Jammu/Kashmir; Chief Conservator of Forests for Planning & Projects; Chief Executive Director, WUCMA, Kashmir; Regional Wildlife Warden from Jammu/Kashmir; Director Finance, Forest, Ecology & Environment Department; Special Secretary, Forest, Ecology & Environment Department; and Additional Secretary, Forest, Ecology & Environment.
The discussions during the meeting encompassed Human Resource (HR) management across various divisions of the Forest Department.
In addressing the officials, Javed Rana requested insights on sanctioned, occupied, and vacant positions within the department, as well as actions taken by the Heads of Departments (HoDs) to tackle these issues. He urged all HoDs to uphold accountability and transparency, thereby ensuring administrative effectiveness and prompt resolution of employee-related concerns.
Highlighting the importance of timely promotions within the department to facilitate career advancement for deserving employees, the Minister called for actionable proposals from the officers. He stressed that there should be no undue delays in the promotion appointments and in addressing vacancies. Vacant positions must be urgently referred to recruitment agencies to ensure the efficient operation of the Forest Department. He also pointed out the necessity of vigorously pursuing court cases and resolving litigations that hinder HR management.
The meeting also involved a review of the physical and financial progress of significant flagship schemes. Additionally, an in-depth examination of the Greening Jammu and Kashmir initiative was conducted to assess its impact on enhancing forest cover in line with the National Forest Policy.
The Minister reiterated the importance of a long-term strategy to decrease reliance on external wood supplies while promoting self-sufficiency. He reviewed the enforcement activities, including closure orders, environmental compensations, and improvements in compliance. Significant emphasis was placed on accomplishing Clean Air Action Plans in major urban areas.
Rana maintained that actions need to be taken to fortify forest-dependent communities and engage tribal populations, urging the officers to promptly address pending claims under the Forest Rights Act, submitted by forest dwellers.
In reviewing forest protection strategies, Rana noted that forest fire prevention and management protocols have become increasingly crucial due to adverse climatic conditions, and preemptive measures should be implemented. He charged the officers with the optimal use of available resources for revenue generation and to create sustainable livelihoods through eco-tourism and forest recreation.
