Advisor Kumar reviews performance of Forest deptt in Jammu Region

Jammu: Advisor to Governor K Vijay Kumar Monday convened a meeting to review the performance of various forest divisions against the set targets in Jammu Region.
During the meeting, detailed review was carried out on physical plantation achieved- drives undertaken, progress of anti encroachment and eviction proceedings, afforestation and greening, status of forest offences and disposal, and other actionable progress achieved.
Special emphasis was laid on on-ground performances by DFOs in their respective districts, and action taken by them on account of community involvement, soil conservation and social forestry initiatives, field visits and public interactions, grievance redressal, besides, prevention and control of forest offences in their areas.
Advisor Kumar issued directions to strengthen the enforcement of protection of Forests through regular touring, timely reporting by the staff. He directed the officers to undertake Anti- Encroachment drives across the region to recover forest land in a phased and organized manner to achieve tangible results. He said all institutional and police support will be provided to the department in this endeavor.
With regard to plantation drives, the Advisor directed the department officers to act as nodal officers in their districts and initiate a coordinated effort in collaboration with various departments, educational institutions, municipal corporations, Non- governmental organizations and other allied organizations for a unified and organized action to increase green cover. This will lead to enhanced effectiveness of these plantation drives, he added.
The Advisor was also apprised of various intra-departmental issues. He assured that the matters would be looked into on priority.
The meeting was attended by Chief Conservator of Forests, Jammu Sameer Bharti, Deputy Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar, Conservator of Forest East Circle Samuel Changkija, Conservator of Forest West Circle, Mohandaas and Conservator of Forests, Chenab Circle Satpaul.