Chief Secretary chairs 110th FAC meeting

Several proposals of public importance cleared

SRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 18: The Forest Advisory Committee (FAC) headed by Chief Secretary, Shri B V R Subrahmanyam Tuesday in its 110th meeting, cleared 5 proposals of urgent developmental and public importance, on the specified terms and conditions.

The proposals cleared today include use of forest land for up-gradation of 4-Lane Jammu-Akhnoor section of NH 144 A and the Srinagar- Banihal section, construction of PMGSY roads in Ramnagar and Bandipora Forest Divisions and other critical infrastructure.

While reiterating the directions for ensuring minimum felling of trees and undertaking compensatory afforestation over alternate land in lieu of diversion of forest land, Chief Secretary asked the Forest department to prepare a plan for undertaking roadside plantations; funds for which are available with the Department.

A Compliance report on the instructions issued in the 109th FAC was also presented before the Committee.

The Committee was informed that Forest Department has issued instructions in the form of circular to the user agencies wherein they have been asked to consult the officers of the Forest department at the project conceptualization stage, to ensure working out proposals which involve minimum felling of tress and preservation of flora and fauna.

Further, it was informed that a monitoring mechanism for observance of FAC conditions has been set up at the Conservator level.

The monitoring Committees will include Conservator of Forests as Chairman, DFO, representative of Revenue Department and representative of User Agency as members.