Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, May 24: Minister for Forest, Environment and Ecology, Rajiv Jasrotia chaired the review meeting regarding progress on diversion of forest land cases under Forest Conservation Act pertaining to PMGSY, PWD and R&B Departments in all the forest divisions of J&K here today.
The meeting was attended by Minister of State for Forest, Ecology and Environment, Zahoor Ahmad Mir, Minister of State for Education Shakti Raj, Commissioner Secretary Forest Saurabh Bhagat, Principal Chief Conservator Forests M M Pant, Chief Conservator of Forests Kashmir Farooq Geelani, Chief Engineers PWD and R&B besides Conservator of Forests and District Forest Officers from Jammu and Kashmir range.
On the occasion, Jasrotia stressed on R&B and PMGSY Departments that no laxity would be allowed as far as joint surveys and inspections are concerned.
Minister directed the concerned officials to expedite the demarcation between the Forest Department and indenting agencies in twin divisions of Jammu and Kashmir so that road cases that are lying pending are taken on priority.
He said that Government is committed to better infrastructure and would ensure that the promise is fulfilled in letter and spirit and asked the concerned officers to work with dedication with regard to forest clearances and facilitate development projects execution.
The Minister directed Commissioner Secretary to call a meeting of all DCs through Chief Secretary for expediting the transfer of alternate State land so that over all process of forest clearances becomes easy and fast.
He also directed to conduct joint surveys and inspections and submit cases on fast track basis in a time-bound manner so that these projects are completed well in time.
The executing agencies and the DFOs were directed to work hard in a coordinated manner for forest clearance cases.
Meanwhile, State Forest Officers Association (SFOA) delegation called on Rajiv Jasrotia to apprise him about various issues faced by them.
The delegation of SFOA led by its President Munshi Iqbal put forth several issues concerning officials working in State’s Forest Department like designating State Forest Service (SFS) as service, Pay Anomaly, Cadre Review SFS, induction into Indian Forest Service (IFS), confirmation of State Forest Officers and several others.
The Minister after giving patient hearing to their grievances assured the visiting delegation that he is keen on taking up the issue of employees on priority basis and will address them on merit.
He assured the office bearers of the association that all grievances will be looked into.
The Forest Minister directed the Commissioner Secretary to revise the recruitment rules, hold timely Departmental Promotional Committees and explore the possibilities of cadre review.
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