Gurezi chairs Committee on Estimates meet

Srinagar, Aug 11: Committee on Estimates of Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly Tuesday met under the chairmanship of Chairman, Nazir Ahmad Khan (Gurezi), to examine the Action Taken report submitted by Forest, Ecology & Environment Department on key issues related to forest conservation, community rights and infrastructure in J&K.
The meeting was attended by Members of Estimates Committee including Balwant Singh Mankotia, Ali Mohammad Dar, Javid Hassan Baig, Mushtaq Guroo, Irshad Rasool Kar, Sajad Shaheen and Pyare Lal Sharma.
After reviewing the department’s replies, Chairman said “For us, forests are not just trees. They are the lungs of J&K, the livelihood of our people, and the legacy we leave for our children. We cannot afford to treat this as routine file work.
The Chairman directed the department to expedite the re-plantation drive on land diverted for National Highways, PMGSY, PWD and NHAI projects. He stressed that a massive plantation drive must also be launched in all deforested areas across J&K. Taking serious note of tree felling leading to soil erosion and landslides during rains, he asked the department to undertake scientific afforestation on vulnerable slopes to safeguard lives and property.
Expressing serious concern over the menace of Russian Poplar Gurezi said it is damaging local biodiversity and causing health issues for people. He directed that Russian Poplar be phased out in a time-bound manner and replaced with indigenous species like Chinar, Deodar and Kail.
Reiterating community rights, the Chairman stated that “J&K’s timber and forest wealth belongs to the people of J&K. He directed the department to ensure sustainable utilization of forest resources, stop illegal smuggling of poplar, deodar and pine, and ensure that benefits reach local communities and tribal families under the Forest Rights Act, 2006.
The Committee also reviewed the condition of deteriorated trees in major tourist destinations like Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg and Yusmarg and directed the department for immediate re-plantation. It further asked for strengthened measures to contain poaching and man-animal conflict.
Highlighting the importance of public participation, the Chairman issued directions for holding of Gram Sabhas in all constituencies across J&K. He asked the Commissioner Secretary, Forest, Ecology & Environment to finalize comprehensive guidelines for conducting Gram Sabhas at the Panchayat level to ensure people’s direct involvement in forest conservation, protection and sustainable utilization of resources.
Commissioner Secretary Forest Ecology & Environment, Sheetal Nanda, Commissioner Secretary Tribal Affairs, G. Prasanna Ramaswamy, PCCF HoFF Forest Department, Chairman JK PCC, PCCF Wild life Department, MD JKFDCL, VC LCMA, Chief Engineer R&B South Kashmir, Chief Engineer PHE Jammu, Chief Engineer I&FC Kashmir, CCF Kashmir, SEs of R&B and senior officers from R&B, PMGSY, PWD and PHE Departments besides Secretary JKLA Manoj Kumar Pandita and officers of the Assembly Secretariat were also present in the meeting.