J&K Minister Highlights Strategic Priorities for Forest and Environment, Calls for Enhanced Centre-JK Cooperation
NEW DELHI: Minister for Forest, Ecology, and Environment, Javed Ahmed Rana, met Union Minister for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, in New Delhi to discuss a comprehensive agenda aimed at strengthening Jammu & Kashmir’s forest and environmental sector.
The discussions emphasized the need for closer coordination between the Central and J&K Governments to bolster institutional capacity, accelerate ecological restoration, and ensure timely implementation of critical forestry and environmental programs.
In light of increasing extreme weather events, including heavy rains and floods, Rana stressed the urgency of enhancing J&K’s resilience through targeted measures in forest fire management, catchment area treatment, biodiversity conservation, and wetland ecosystem protection.
Rana requested the release of funds under the Centrally Sponsored Forest Fire Prevention and Management (FFPM) Scheme, for which a detailed ₹3.5 crore work plan for FY 2024–25 has already been submitted. He also urged expedited appraisal and approval by the National CAMPA Authority for two major proposals submitted by the J&K Government:
- “Soil & Water Conservation in the Kandi Belt of Jammu & Kashmir” – proposed investment of ₹143.72 crore to combat land degradation and water scarcity in the semi-arid belt.
- “Forest Resource Management for Livelihood Improvement of Forest-Dependent Communities including Nomadic Tribes” – proposed outlay of ₹103.35 crore to promote sustainable livelihoods, ecological restoration, and inclusive development around forest areas.
The Minister also reiterated the longstanding demand for release of funds for Catchment Area Treatment (CAT) Plans and Biodiversity Conservation Plans linked to the Kiru and Kwar hydroelectric projects.
Highlighting J&K’s progress in digital governance, Rana informed the Union Minister that the region has successfully implemented a digital portal over the past four years for preparation and real-time monitoring of Annual Plans of Operation (APOs) under CAMPA. With the National CAMPA Authority transitioning to a centralized digital APO platform, he requested an Application Programming Interface (API) to enable seamless integration between the J&K CAMPA Portal and the national system, enhancing transparency, efficiency, and accuracy in field-level reporting.
On capacity building, Rana reiterated J&K’s interest in participating in the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)-assisted project, “Capacity Enhancement for Effective Forest Management”, which aims to strengthen technical expertise, forest governance, and professional skills within the Forest Department.
He also drew attention to the pending release of funds under two key Centrally Sponsored Schemes: the Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats (IDWH) and the National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems (NPCA), urging prompt intervention to prevent disruption in conservation efforts.
In response, Union Minister Bhupender Yadav assured that all concerns raised by Rana would be addressed. He reaffirmed the Central Government’s commitment to supporting J&K in sustainable forest management, ecological restoration, and climate resilience, commending the proactive, technology-driven approach adopted by the J&K Government.
