NOV 20: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo chaired a detailed review of the Forest, Ecology & Environment Department in Jammu to assess its functioning and track ongoing conservation and development initiatives. The meeting saw the participation of Commissioner Secretary Forests, Sheetal Nanda, PCCF Suresh Kumar Gupta, and senior officials from various wings of the department.
Opening the discussions, the Chief Secretary highlighted the need for enhanced fodder availability in forest grazing zones, stressing its crucial link to the growth of the Animal, Sheep Husbandry, and Dairy sectors. He directed the department to adopt focused strategies to increase fodder production wherever feasible.
Promoting eco-tourism emerged as another key priority. Dulloo noted that the Forest Department holds substantial assets capable of boosting sustainable tourism if upgraded to modern standards. He called for revamping existing infrastructure, drawing lessons from successful eco-tourism models in Kerala, the North-Eastern states, and Uttarakhand. He said J&K’s rich ecological diversity positions it to become a premier eco-tourism destination.
The Chief Secretary also emphasised urgent ecological restoration at stretches such as Peer ki Gali and Tanghdar, reiterating that afforestation must remain a sustained mission. Reviewing major projects, he asked for timely completion of works at Jambu Zoo and Kishtwar High Altitude National Park, along with exploring Night Safari options and expanding species diversity.
Commissioner Secretary Sheetal Nanda shared the department’s progress, including digitisation efforts involving resurvey of boundary pillars across J&K’s 2,135 forests. PCCF Suresh Kumar Gupta reported the creation of a 2406-hectare land bank, advancements in catchment area treatments, and ongoing conservation work at Wular Lake. The department also updated progress on environmental clearances, with 364 approvals issued so far.
