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Advisor to Governor, Khurshid A Ganai today called for making optimum use of latest technology and research inputs in conservation and expansion of forests.
“The Forest Department should not only use latest technology in conservation of forest wealth but it should also regularly update its human resource with the technological interventions in the concerned field,” the Advisor said while addressing the inaugural function of the day-long workshop of forest officers here today.
The workshop was organised by the Forest Department to sensitize its officers and officials about the decisions taken in various Forest Advisory Committee meetings and the issues related to implementation of J&K Forest Conservation Act-1997. The workshop also dwelt in detail on the issue of conservation of State’s forests by using advanced technology.
Mr Ganai was chief guest on the occasion while Principal Secretary Forest, Environment and Ecology, Rakesh Kumar Gupta was guest of honour on the occasion.
Mr Ganai emphasized the need for protection of forest wealth by devising a comprehensive strategy and making everyone accountable. He said every functionary of the Forest Department is custodian of the precious forest wealth and they must put in their best possible efforts for its protection so that a healthy and sustainable environment is maintained in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Advisor asked the Principal Chief Conservator of Forest to send proposal to the Government for creation of the post of Chief Conservator of Forest (Modernization), who will deal with the modernization of the Forest Department for achieving better and tangible results.
Maintaining that Jammu and Kashmir has been blessed with a rich bio-diversity and natural resources, Mr. Ganai said need of the hour is to take appropriate measures to protect this wealth for posterity. He expressed concern over the constant degradation of forests across the State and called upon all ranks and file to put in their personal efforts to regenerate the forest cover, especially in the vulnerable areas.
Referring to the workshop, Mr Ganai said young forest officers must take advantage of such informative interactions and share their experiences and difficulties they are facing on ground to help deal with the issues more effectively and comprehensively. He said main task of every forest functionary is to protect the forest land and ensure constant re-generation of degraded areas.
He acknowledged that development was must for the progress and prosperity, but it must be balanced and the loss of trees due to development process should be compensated in the degraded areas to maintain the green cover. He called for implementation of J&K Forest Conservation Act in accordance with Supreme Court directions so that the balance in the ecology is maintained at all costs.
Rakesh Gupta called for regular refresher courses for the officers and ground level functionaries to effectively deal with the issues related to forest protection, timber smuggling and other allied matters, which he said can give them motivation and enthusiasm in achieving the better results. He also stressed the need for using the modern techniques and gadgetry in the forest and environmental protection.
Principal Chief Conservator of Forest, A.K. Singh, Chief Conservator of Forest, R S Jasrotia, CCF, Rajeev Kumar Tiwari and others also addressed and gave valuable tips to the young officers on how to deal with various matters relating to the forest protection.
[“Source-dailyexcelsior”]