Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, May 24: Maintaining that the major focus during the current fiscal would be on soil conservation activities and water conservation, the Minister for Forests and Environments, Main Altaf Ahmad today said 9 artificial ground water recharge projects have been identified for Kashmir province to check depletion of ground water level.
Speaking at a review meeting of the Soil Conservation Department here today, Main Altaf enjoined upon the officers to work with commitment and transparency, adding that laxity in accomplishing the set physical and financial targets would not be tolerated.
The Minister, while laying greater emphasis on soil conservation and plantation programme, said there were essential employment not only for conserving ecology and environment but also for providing avenues for the youth .He asked the officers to conduct field visits to ascertain that works are executed on ground, adding that he would himself conduct surprise inspections to check the impact of scheme on ground. He said those works should be taken up on priority which would benefit larger chunk of population instead of showering benefits to individuals.
He asked the officer to come up to the expectations of the people, who have pinned high hopes with the present dispensation headed by Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah.
Director Soil Conservations, M.J. Sharma while giving resume of the achievements of the department said that about 1243 hectors of land in Kashmir and Leh have been brought under various schemes during last fiscal for soil conservation involving an expenditure of Rs 3.58 crore. This includes plantation of 4.15 lakh plants, 1.58 rft of fencing, 1671 Nos of crate works and 36 water harvesting Schemes.
The Minister enjoined upon the officers to focus on water harvesting schemes preferably in those areas which are rain fed and barren.
Trending Now
E-Paper
Follow our WhatsApp channel