RAJOURI, JULY 21: Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, J&K Dr. Mohit Gera, today held a review meeting at Rajouri to discuss the progress made in the implementation of the Forest Right Act in Rajouri, Reasi, and Poonch Districts.
Conservator of Forests West Circle Rajouri B Mohandaas made a presentation on district-wise progress made so far including forest dweller’s claims received, status of field verification done so far, and claims processed by Gram Sabhas.
It was informed that so far 6100 claims have been received in three districts. He also apprised on the preparedness of the forest department at field level as well as at the level of SDLC and DLC has been completed for 3100 claims.
While appreciating the progress made, PCCF J&K impressed upon that the process of field verification of claims needs to be further accelerated so that the claims verified by Forest Right Committees can be forwarded to Gram Sabhas for holding the meeting as per Forest Right Act, 2006 and forward the resolution alongwith claims to SDLC.
During the meeting, representatives of five Forest Right Committees across the Rajouri district also participated alongwith officers of the Forest Department.
The PCCF J&K and CCF Jammu patiently listened to the queries raised by them and DFOs clarified all doubts of Forest Right Committees members and ensured full support so that genuine forest dwellers get the claims and benefits provided under the FRA.
A 12-minute video documentary on implementation of FRA, 2006 in J&K made by the Forest Department was also shown to Forest Right Committees and other representatives. CCF Jammu K. Ramesh Kumar explained the need for migratory graziers to file community claims for grazing rights at both summer and winter grazing areas by tribal grazing communities of the region.
The meeting was also attended by Dr. Arshdeep Singh DFO Rajouri, Jyotsana Sarkar DFO Reasi, Mohan Chowdhery DFO Poonch, Suresh Manda DFO Nowshera, Mohinder DFO Mahore, Pawan Parihar Addl. District Development Commissioner Rajouri besided officers of the tribal department.
Later, the PCCF, J&K also discussed in detail the implementation of FRA with Deputy Commissioner Rajouri Rajesh Sharvan who apprised him of the readiness of the District Administration to process, consider and decide the FRA claims.
The meeting also highlighted different schemes which can be planned and executed in Convergence with MNREGA. Forest Department also presented steps being taken for the involvement of forest-dwelling communities and other forest dwellers in their programs under CAMPA and Plan budget.
The PCCF, J&K also participated along with CCF Jammu and DC Rajouri in plantation drive here at Rajouri Town under “Green J&K Drive” 2021 at Bela Park Rajouri. Officers of District Administration Rajouri, members of urban local bodies, and other prominent citizens and the public of Rajouri participated in the plantation drive.
During the drive 500 saplings of different trees and fruit species were planted. Dr. Mohit Gera briefed the gathering about the objectives of Green J&K Drive 2021 and emphasized on planting more medicinal and economic value plants. He appealed to all the local body members and the members of civil society to actively participate in the plantation drives in order to achieve the goal of the maximum plantation during the monsoon season to make the Green J&K Drive 2021 a grand success.
While concluding the visit, the PCCF J&K inspected the newly renovated Forest Rest House at Panja Chowk Rajouri which has been opened online for public booking and conducted a review meeting at the Conference Hall of CF West Circle Rajouri for reviewing the progress of works being under implementation in West Circle, Rajouri under various schemes.