Jammu, Nov 11 (KNO): Minister for Forest, Ecology & Environment, Javed Ahmed Rana, Monday exhorted the senior officers of Forest Department to adopt a participatory approach towards conservation of forest resources and protection of environment by involving local communities.
The Minister directed for implementation of Forest Rights Act, fast-track recruitment, check on timber smuggling and establishing cordial relation/communication with local communities, especially the traditional forest dwellers for conservation of forests.
In a brief introductory meeting with the officers and officials of the department at Civil Secretariat Jammu, Rana expressed hope that the forest fraternity shall work in tandem with communities to conserve and protect forests and environment. He exhorted upon the officers to work with dedication and sincerity to solve public issues and concerns.
The Minister stressed upon the need for effective implementation of Forest Rights Act (FRA) and safeguarding the statutory rights of tribal communities who live in forests.
Principal Secretary Forest, Shailendra Kumar, PCCF/Hoff ,B K Singh, senior officers of Forest department and Pollution Control Board were present in the meeting—(KNO)