Out of 14,345 ha encroached forest land, 2,801 ha retrieved: J&K Minister

Jammu, Jan 21: Jammu and Kashmir Forest, Environment and Ecology Minister Choudhary Lal Singh today said the innovative measures initiated by the government would take forest and its allied wings to new heights and it will also bring positive transformation on the ground in increasing forest cover and conserving the ecology of the state.

He said over 2801.23 hectares of forest land of total recorded encroachment of 14345 hectares has been retrieved during nearly three years.

Winding up the discussion in the Legislative Assembly on Demands for Grants of Forest Department, the Minister said several measures have been taken to make functioning of the department accountable, transparent and result-oriented.

Enumerating the initiatives launched by the Government, the Minister said department has embarked on many new programmes, including establishment of hi-tech nurseries and upgradation of existing nurseries for production of quality planting stocks with a vision of raising 15 crore saplings annually.

He also informed the House that promotion of rotational grazing and eco-tourism, nature tourism is a priority for the Government.

He said the government won't allow breach of the forest rights of tribal communities and called for active contribution of such communities in conservation of forests.

The Minister said that conservation of Wullar Lake besides, many other lakes and water bodies in the State is the topmost priority of the Government.

He said that as per a study conducted by Directorate of Ecology and Environment, a total of 1230 big and small lakes and water bodies exist in the State of J&K with 425 in Kashmir province, 150 in Jammu and 665 in Ladakh region.

The cut motions which were moved by the members were withdrawn after the satisfactory reply by the Minister.

Later, the House passed the grants for the year 2017-18, moved by the Minister, amounting to Rs 83,837.86 lakh with voice vote.