Chairperson Voices Concern Over Shrinking Forest Cover and Environmental Impact
Srinagar: The House Committee on Estimates convened a meeting at the Assembly Complex, Srinagar, to review the functioning of the Jammu and Kashmir Forest, Ecology & Environment Department.
The session was chaired by Committee Chairperson Shamim Firdous and attended by members including Abdul Majid Bhat Larmi, Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Mir, Pawan Kumar Gupta, Gharu Ram Bhagat, Aijaz Ahmad Jan, Shafi Ahmad Wani, Chander Prakash Ganga, Pyare Lal Sharma, and Arjun Singh Raju.
Expressing deep concern over the declining forest cover and its adverse effects on the environment, the Chairperson stressed the need for sustainable, time-bound measures to protect forests and maintain ecological balance. The Committee highlighted the importance of large-scale and sustained plantation drives across all regions of J&K and called for concrete steps to prevent deforestation and forest fire incidents.
The review covered deforestation arising from various developmental projects under PMGSY, PWD, Rural Road Mission, National Highways Authority of India, and hydro-electric projects, as well as compensation measures for trees felled. The Chairperson directed that details of compensation for forest land use by user agencies be submitted within 15 days.
Emphasizing reforestation, particularly in tourist destinations like Gulmarg, Yusmarg, Sonmarg, and Pahalgam, she sought reports on deteriorated and fallen trees and urged strict action against the smuggling of pine and deodar trees. Members also highlighted timber shortages and instructed immediate recovery and distribution of vacant and fallen timber through depots.
The Chairperson further called for the development of “green city” areas through diverse tree plantations and measures to preserve water bodies for the sustainability of flora and fauna. Concerns over man-animal conflict were raised, with members recommending sterilization drives to control the rising monkey population in Jammu, which has been damaging crops and orchards.
Senior officers present included Commissioner Secretary, Forest Department, Sheetal Nanda; PCCF, J&K, Suresh K. Gupta; CWLW, Suresh Rai; MD FDCL, Suneesh Buxy; DG Budget Finance, M.S. Malik; Special Secretaries, and other senior officials.
