FAC clears proposals for allowing use of forest land

SRINAGAR: The Forest Advisory Committee (FAC) headed by Chief Secretary, Mohammad Iqbal Khandey on Monday discussed and approved several proposals for allowing use of forest land coming under various road connectivity projects and other development works in various Forest Divisions across the State.

While the Chief Secretary laid special emphasis on minimum felling of trees, compensatory afforestation, he also directed the Forest Department to monitor the works to ensure safe disposal of muck by the user agencies at authorized dumping sites only as per the approved plan with efficient soil conservation measures including stabilized slopes and eco-restoration using local forest plant species.

Provincial level committee has been formed to monitor the projects, FAC was informed with directions from the Chief Secretary to visit proposed project sites for better appraisal and report on any departures observed especially in safe disposal of muck and soil conservation measures by the user agencies.

While reviewing the soil conservation measures undertaken on the 9km Chenani – Nashri road Tunnel Project site, the FAC observed that extra remedial measures are needed to ensure effective disposal of muck and prevent soil erosion and scour. User agency shall consult the soil conservation department in this regard Chief Secretary directed.

Financial Commissioner Revenue, Dr. Arun Kumar, Principal Secretary Planning, B R Sharma, Secretary Forest, Mohammad Afzal Bhat, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Abhai Kumar and other senior officials were present in the meeting.

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