Rana calls on Union Forest Minister, HP CM

Minister Javed Rana presenting a bouquet to CM of Himachal Pradesh on Wednesday.
Minister Javed Rana presenting a bouquet to CM of Himachal Pradesh on Wednesday.

Excelsior Correspondent
NEW DELHI, Jan 29: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, today called on Union Minister for Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, in New Delhi to discuss key environmental and tribal welfare issues concerning Jammu & Kashmir.
During the meeting, Javed Rana highlighted the urgent need for increased funding for forest conservation, soil and water preservation and afforestation programs. He submitted a proposal seeking Rs 75 crore for soil and water conservation in the Kandi region over the next three years, Rs 100 crore for development of migratory routes for nomadic grazers and Rs 50 crore for conserving medicinal plants in the Shivalik region.
Highlighting the increasing risks posed by forest fires, he urged for release of Rs 10 crore at the beginning of the financial year for fire prevention and management. Additionally, he demanded Rs 50 crore for conducting a comprehensive study on the ecological and economic value of J&K’s forests, as well as expedited approval for a JICA-backed training facility in Jammu and Srinagar to enhance forest management expertise.
Recognizing the role of technology in modern forestry, Javed Rana sought Rs 4 crore under a centrally sponsored scheme to leverage AI and remote sensing for forest resource management, afforestation monitoring, fire prevention and water harvesting. He also pushed for a Rs 300 crore allocation over the next five years under the Climate Change Action Plan to strengthen J&K’s environmental resilience.
Besides, special funding of Rs 100 crore was also requested for conservation of key water bodies including Wular Lake and Gharana Wetlands.
Rana urged the Union Minister to expedite clearance of over 400 pending cases under the Forest Conservation Act related to the Jal Jeevan Mission, which are awaiting approval at the regional office, so that water infrastructure projects in forested areas can be implemented without further delay.
The Union Minister assured that the proposals would be considered on priority and necessary steps would be taken to expedite approvals and fund allocations.
Meanwhile, Javed Rana also called on Chief Minister of Himachal Pardesh, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, at New Delhi today and discussed issues of common public interest.
The Minister enquired about the strategies employed by Himachal Pradesh for protecting and conserving natural water resources and practices being employed to mitigate soil erosion and landslides.