Udhampur : In accordance with the directives of Deputy Commissioner Saloni Rai, Sub Divisional Magistrate Ramnagar, Rafiq Ahmad Jaral on Friday presided over a comprehensive review meeting with officers and officials of Forest and Social Forestry departments in his office chamber.
In attendance were Divisional Forest Officer, Forest Division Ramnagar, Naresh Majotra, Rang Officer Avtar Singh and other officials.
The meeting commenced with the Divisional Forest Officer providing an overview of various schemes and initiatives implemented in the Sub Division.
The Discussion also encompassed the challenges encountered by the department during the summer season, particularly in tackling the forest fire incidents and demarcation of forest land.
The SDM asked the DFO to constitute a committee of officials of Forest, Fire and Emergency services and police departments to manage forest fires and other related incidents effectively. “The meeting of Committee shall be convened in the month of March 2024 to formulate a plan to tackle the forest fire incidents effectively” he said.
Further, the SDM directed to monitor the demarcation of forest land, for which a Committee of revenue and forest officials has already been constituted by Deputy Commissioner Udhampur. He asked the Committee to complete the task by 15th March 2024.
The SDM emphasized the importance of raising awareness among local communities about the Forest Rights Act and protection of forest.
It was decided that concerned Naib Tehsildars and Range officers shall strive to get registered 5 Van Mitras from each village within one month, who shall work for the protection, conservation and development of forests on volunteer basis and promote community plantation by roping in local people. They will also be an effective source of information at the times of disaster and emergent situation like forest fire and will help the forest department in fire fighting.
He further directed the Department to identify two locations for forest trails – one around Ramnagar town and one at RC Peak for community trailing and promotion of tourism in the Sub Division.
