Rs 500 cr IFMP on anvil for rehabilitation of degraded forests

The State Government has submitted a proposal of Rs 500 crore under Integrated Forest Management Project (IFMP) to the Union Government for rehabilitation of degraded forests in the State.

This was stated in a meeting of officers convened to review the progress of ongoing developmental schemes in the forest department. Minister for Forest and Environment, Mian Altaf Ahmad presided over the meeting.

The meeting was told that projects like Management of Wullar, Tsumorari and Manser Lakes and Man-Animal conflict management are also under correspondence with the Centre.

Mian Altaf impressed upon the officers to follow up pending schemes taken under National Afforestation Programme and Integrated Forest Protection scheme besides Social Forestry Department was asked to prepare a scheme for establishing nurseries for raising good quality plants.

Regarding management of forest fires in the state, the Minister asked the officers to explore possible measures including traditional one of fire-fighting in areas which are in accessible so that fires are tackled at the earliest.

Mian Altaf directed the officers to immediately prepare at least three areas specific Watershed Development Projects which will have positive impact on ground and benefit the people on the pattern of successful under execution ongoing watershed projects.

The meeting was attended by Commissioner Secretary Forests, Mr. Shantmanu, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest, Mr. Irshad Ahmad Khan, Chief Conservator of Forest, Kashmir, Mr. Shafat Ahmad, Chairman Pollution Control Board, Mr. Lal Chand, Director Soil Conservation, Mr. Shamim Khan, Director Social Forestry, Mr. Abhai Kumar, MD State Forest Corporation, Mr. Abdul Qayoom and other senior officers.

Over 5000 ruralities witness Gramin Mela at Khoon

JKAACL offers help to rural youth for better fora
An overwhelming rural participation of over 5000 people was witnessed at a Gramin Jagriti Mela held at Khoon, Majalta by Khoneshwar Mandir and Rural Development Committee in collaboration with J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages. 
Various governmental departments like Rural Development, Health, Animal Husbandry, Sheep Husbandry, Agriculture etc displayed their stalls during the mela to create massive awareness among the ruralities about several state and centrally sponsored schemes aimed at their socio-economic transformation. 
The enthusiastic ruralities showed keen interest in the stalls and the information as well given by different government functionaries at the Mela on measures prerequisite to raise their living standards. 
During the Mela, artists from JKAACL and various local troupes presented a mesmerizing cultural bonanza comprising folk songs, informative skits and other programs which received all applause from the audience. 
The officers from various departments made the people aware about various government schemes of their respective departments which can do wonders in changing their socio-economic profile. 
Dy. Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Chander Parkash, who was chief guest on the occasion, appreciated the organizers of the mela and hoped that such events will be made a regular feature in rural areas for their upliftment. 
President, Rural Development Committee, Khoon, Surat Singh Sumbria, who presided over the function, expressed gratitude to the DDC, Udhampur, JKAACL and the people for making this rural Mela a grand success. He also had words of praise for the district officers whose lectures will prove to be of immense help for the participants. He said that such programmes help in steering rural areas towards progress and prosperity and efforts will be made to organize these melas in every block and tehsil of Udhampur district. 
Assistant Editor, JKAACL, Dr. Rattan Basotra elaborated objectives of the Academy and exhorted upon the youth of rural and far-flung areas to come forward and exhibit their talent for which they will be provided every help.  

Vigorous campaign needed to stop drug trafficking, illicit cultivation

State Level Apex Committee on prevention of drug trafficking meets
Chief Secretary Mr. S. S. Kapur has said a comprehensive plan will soon be worked out for curbing drug menace in the State. He said a vigorous campaign needs to be launched so that people, who are vulnerable to drug abuse, become aware about its hazards.  
Chairing the 6th meeting of the State Level Apex Committee for prevention of drug trafficking and it is illegal cultivation, here today, Mr. Kapur stressed on a collaborative effort between various enforcement agencies so that the society is rid of drug nuisance.  
Commissioner/Secretary Social Welfare, Mr. Pramod Jain, Commissioner/Secretary, Health, Mr. Atul Dulloo, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir Mr. Masaud Samoon, IGP, Crime, Mr. S. M. Sahai, who is also the Member Secretary of the Committee, IG, Kashmir, Dr. B. Srinavas, Excise Commissioner, Mr. Pardeep Gupta, Zonal Director, NCB, Mr. M. K. Sharma, Director, Agriculture, Kashmir, Mr. B. A. Dar, Director, Agriculture, Jammu, Mrs. Vinod Bhalla, Deputy Director, Controller Drug and Food, Kashmir, Mr. Nazir Ahmad Wani and Deputy Director, Controller Drug and Food, Jammu, Mr. Ashok Gupta attended the meeting.
The meeting decided that a comprehensive plan for prevention of drug trafficking would be framed by the Social Welfare Department, which will cover all aspects like rehabilitation of drug addicts, establishing of counseling centres, creation of infrastructure and framing of public awareness policy for the purpose.
Mr. Kapur askedthe concerned authorities to crack down on illegal cultivation of poppy. He asked the concerned departments to maintain close liaison for achieving the desired objectives. He called upon the members of the Committee to play an important role in mobilizing public opinion against drug use by organizing seminars and awareness programmes in schools and colleges.
A Committee under Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir will supervise progress for destruction of illicit cultivation and checking of unregistered drug dealers in the State. The meeting was also informed about progress regarding destruction of poppy and bhang cultivation and arrest of persons involved in this illegal trade. Besides a policy of rewarding those engaged in the campaign against drug menace will also be made. 
While watching power-point presentation regarding satellite survey of illicit cultivation, the Chief Secretary directed the concerned authorities to record relative comparison of achievements so that performance in prevention of drug trafficking can be analyzed.