Jammu | Sept, 9: Ramesh Kumar, the Divisional Commissioner of Jammu, convened a meeting with senior officials to assess the progress of forest land demarcation in the Jammu Division and address related challenges. Among others Chief Conservator of Forests, Deputy Commissioners, and various forest officials attended the top meeting, with some participating virtually.
Speaking on the occasion Chief Conservator said that out of 1,555 forest areas, approximately 215 are classified as difficult, necessitating joint surveys with the Revenue Department. He noted the need for around 24,000 boundary pillars, with 25,000 already installed in the past three months. The Divisional Commissioner emphasized the urgency of joint demarcation efforts and the proper installation of boundary pillars, instructing the Revenue and Forest authorities to prioritize this task. He mandated the creation of a district-wise schedule within a week, detailing the areas to be surveyed, responsible personnel, and timelines for the fieldwork. A two-month deadline was set for completing the demarcation exercise, with strict adherence expected from all Deputy Commissioners and Divisional Forest Officers. Additionally, the Commissioner highlighted the need for local-level decisions regarding field team compositions based on the complexity of the areas involved. He urged the acceleration of cases related to infrastructure projects and the timely processing of applications on the PARIVESH Portal, ensuring that minor issues are resolved through effective coordination. The completion of boundary pillar installations is prioritized for the end of the year, with a strong emphasis on collaboration between the Revenue and Forest Departments to meet the established timelines. Regular monitoring will be essential to ensure the successful completion of the demarcation exercise within the specified period.
