Faizan Wani
Srinagar, Jul 8: The administration of Jammu & Kashmir has instituted awards for forest protection and wildlife conservation in the Union Territory (UT).
The department of Forests, Ecology and Environment has instituted the awards to recognize outstanding work done by forest personnel, village forest committee(s), educational Institutions and gram panchayats for forest protection and wildlife conservation. According to an order, the UT level forestry award would be given every year to 20 officials working as forest rangers(two), foresters(six)and forest guards (12) for forest protection, anti- smuggling operations, afforestation and plantation work.
A high-level committee headed by additional principal chief conservators of forests (central) and comprising CCF Jammu, CCF Kashmir and CCF Planning & Project would make recommendations for the award to the government, which will decide on the final winner.
The government has also instituted awards for educational institutions and panchayats for their outstanding performance in plantation and afforestation.
“Cash award of Rs. 10,000 for the best educational institution at district level (one for each district) and cash award of Rs 20000 for the best Gram Panchayat at district level (one for every district) will be given for outstanding performance in plantation/afforestation,” read the order.
A committee under the chairmanship of the CCF and comprising Conservators of Forests, concerned DFOs and the representatives of the concerned deputy commissioners will decide the district-wise award winners by the end of 31 January, it reads.
It has also decided to institute UT level award in each district to any individual or an institution engaged in wildlife and biodiversity conservation, research and education.
