Minister directs FDC to prepare vision document, focused policy to boost sales, efficiency
Srinagar, :Minister for Forest, Ecology & Environment Javed Ahmed Rana Wednesday directed the Forest Development Corporation (FDC) Limited and concerned agencies to put in place clear and time-bound monthly targets for timber marking, extraction, transportation and auction.
He issued these instructions while chairing a meeting at Civil Secretariat here held to discuss the issues related to Forest Development Corporation Limited.
The meeting was attended by Commissioner Secretary, Forest, Ecology & Environment, Sheetal Nanda and Managing Director, Forest Development Corporation Limited, Dr K Anandh while Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Sarvesh Rai participated online.
Javed Rana highlighted the importance of optimizing the timber supply chain to ensure that quality timber is available to the public at reasonable prices, emphasizing the need to complete this year’s timber extraction before snowfall. He urged for the establishment of monthly measurable targets for all stages of timber operations, from marking to auction, and called for close monitoring of these targets to prevent delays that could hinder the supply process. The Minister stressed the necessity of streamlining the tendering process and removing procedural obstacles that could impede timely extraction and distribution. He underscored the importance of proper grading and quality assessment of timber to guarantee that consumers receive high-quality products at transparent rates. Rana’s objective is to ensure that good-quality timber is accessible to the public, facilitated by efficient auctioning and supply mechanisms. Additionally, he called for a thorough review of the Forest Corporation’s operations, including its monthly performance and revenue generation, and directed the preparation of a detailed vision document outlining targets for the next two to three years. This document should focus on enhancing timber sales, operational reforms, and improving public service delivery. Rana also requested a focused policy to boost timber sales, strengthen market linkages, and enhance the overall efficiency of the timber supply chain while ensuring sustainable management of forest resources. He reviewed the status of auction depots and Central Timber Sale Depots in Jammu and Kashmir, directing officers to address operational challenges and improve service delivery to ensure timely access to timber for the public.
