Rana calls on Union Forest Min, seeks financial, policy support

New Delhi, Jan 29: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana on Wednesday called on Union Minister for Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, in New Delhi to discuss key environmental and tribal welfare issues concerning Jammu & Kashmir.
Emphasising the ecological significance of Jammu & Kashmir, which has over 52% of its land under forest cover, Rana sought greater financial assistance and policy support from the Central government to protect J&K’s biodiversity and strengthen sustainable development efforts.
During the meeting, the minister highlighted the urgent need for increased funding for forest conservation, soil and water preservation and afforestation programs. He submitted a proposal seeking Rs 75 crore for soil and water conservation in the Kandi region over the next three years, Rs 100 crore for development of migratory routes for nomadic grazers and Rs 50 crore for conserving medicinal plants in the Shivalik region.
Highlighting the increasing risks posed by forest fires, Rana urged for release of Rs 10 crore at the beginning of the financial year for fire prevention and management. He demanded Rs 50 crore for conducting a comprehensive study on the ecological and economic value of J&K’s forests, as well as expedited approval for a JICA-backed training facility in Jammu and Srinagar to enhance forest management expertise.
Recognising the role of technology in modern forestry, the minister sought Rs 4 crore under a centrally sponsored scheme to leverage AI and remote sensing for forest resource management, afforestation monitoring, fire prevention and water harvesting. He also pushed for a Rs 300 crore allocation over the next five years under the Climate Change Action Plan to strengthen J&K’s environmental resilience.
Besides, special funding of Rs 100 crore was also requested for conservation of key water bodies including Wular Lake and Gharana Wetlands. He raised several concerns regarding the forestry sector’s human resource challenges.
The minister particularly pushed the induction of SFS officers recruited in 2011 into the Indian Forest Service (IFS) to strengthen mid-level management and requested increased allocation of IFS officers under the AGMUT cadre to support J&K’s growing forestry needs. He further recommended upgrading the Kashmir Forest Training Institute in Bandipora.
Rana urged the Union Minister to expedite clearance of over 400 pending cases under the Forest Conservation Act related to the Jal Jeevan Mission.
The Union Minister acknowledged the concerns raised and assured full cooperation from the central government. Both leaders agreed on the need for a collaborative approach between the central and J&K governments to implement long-term solutions that balance environmental conservation with economic growth.
Meanwhile, Minister Rana also called on Chief Minister of Himachal Pardesh, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu in New Delhi on Wednesday and discussed issues of common public interest. The minister enquired about the strategies employed by Himachal Pradesh for protecting and conserving natural water resources and practices being employed to mitigate soil erosion and landslides.