Rana Reviews Environmental Status, Calls for Stronger Action on Forest Protection

GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL

JAMMU SEPTEMBER 02:-Minister for Forests, Ecology & Environment, Javed Ahmed Rana today convened a review meeting in Jammu to take stock of the Jammu’s environmental challenges and the progress of key forest and conservation initiatives.

Forest Condlservators and Divisional Forest Officers attended the meeting, which focused on forest degradation, biodiversity loss and pollution concerns in Jammu division.

The Minister raised alarm over continued deforestation, illegal timber logging, encroachment and poaching, particularly in remote forest areas where enforcement remains weak.

He flagged unregulated dumping, unauthorized tree felling, and rampant earth-cutting along highways as major threats to the region’s ecology.

Pollution of rivers like Chenab and Tawi due to unchecked industrial waste and poor waste management was discussed in detail.

The Minister directed agencies to strictly monitor pollution levels, especially in areas near forests and water bodies.

Concerns were also raised over soil erosion and landslides in hilly areas of Chenab Valley, Reasi, and Udhampur, where fragile terrains are under pressure.

Officials presented ongoing afforestation and slope stabilization works, with the Minister urging scientific planning and better coordination with geotechnical experts.

Progress under CAMPA and other plantation schemes was reviewed, with the Minister stressing the importance of survival rates and community involvement over just planting numbers.

He appreciated the growing role of local institutions and volunteers in forest drives and awareness campaigns.

Promoting eco-tourism was identified as a key opportunity for sustainable development. Sites like Reasi, Patnitop, and Bhaderwah were discussed for eco-tourism promotion, with a clear directive that all tourism efforts must protect natural habitats and involve local communities.

The Minister also underlined the need for increased environmental awareness, particularly among youth.

He praised outreach programmes in schools, villages, and the contribution of Van Mitras and NGOs in spreading environmental education and mobilizing local support.

Calling for stronger inter-departmental coordination, the Minister urged joint efforts from Rural Development, Tourism, PWD, Pollution Control Board, and Urban Local Bodies to address environmental issues comprehensively.

Pending project proposals with the MoEF&CC and the State Government were also discussed, with directions to expedite approvals and remove administrative delays.