‘Resolve all pending Forest Rights claims by May’
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 17: The Chief Secretary, Dr Arun Kumar Mehta today held a meeting to review on ground implementation of various Water Supply Schemes being implemented under Jal Jeevan Mission in multiple districts through video conferencing.
Those who were present on this occasion includes Principal Secretary Jal Shakti, Shaleen Kabra; Secretary Jal Shakti, Deepika Sharma; Chief Engineer, Jal Shakti Jammu, Hamesh Manchanda besides other concerned officers.
Works of different nature including Rapid Sand Filtration Plants, Over Head Water Tanks, laying of Pipeline network etc were inspected by the Chief Secretary. Works from districts of Budgam, Kulgam, Udhampur, Anantnag, Rajouri and Kathua were inspected virtually.
Besides taking the stock of the pace and progress of these works, the Chief Secretary asked about material supply, financial status, and even operational training of staff intended to work at these plants.
Dr Mehta stressed on completing all these water supply schemes by 15th of August this year. He reminded them that the Pani Samitis have to keep check on these works and ensure quality of execution and outcome of all these schemes.
He advised them that the workforce may be increased for timely completion of JJM works and that financial issues be flagged for timely completion. He called for awareness drives and other IEC activities about the Jal Jeevan Mission.
On the occasion the Chief Secretary spoke to Sarpanchs and received their feedback. The latter expressed satisfaction and confidence that on completion the schemes would help provide quality water supply to all.
Meanwhile, Chief Secretary chaired a meeting to review the implementation of Forest Rights Act, 2006 in J&K.
The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary, Forests, Dheeraj Gupta; PCCF, Mohit Gera; Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, Ramesh Kumar besides District Officers of the Department through video conferencing.
Dr Mehta discussed the pace and procedure of claim resolution, in accordance with rules, in consultation with villagers, Gram Sabha and other stake holders. He called for preparing concrete check list of steps for resolution within prescribed timelines so that all claims received by the Department are resolved within stipulated period.
He directed that all the pending claims be addressed and closed by the end of May this year. He also stressed on creating necessary awareness among the eligible population for submitting their applications successfully so that none of them struggle to obtain their due.
The Chief Secretary directed the DFOs to prepare a detailed action plan with the requisite records and maps and coordinate with Deputy Commissioners and Sub Divisional level Committees for conduct of verification by the Forest Rights Committee in order to put these before the concerned Gram Sabha for its decisions. He asked them to expedite its putting before district level committees after taking the necessary resolution from Gram Sabhas.
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