SAC approves diversion of 57 ha forest land for developmental activities

Jammu: The State Administrative Council (SAC) which met here Friday under the chairmanship of Governor, Satya Pal Malik approved diversion of around 57 ha of Forest land in various parts of the State for undertaking developmental activities in the roads, drinking water, electricity, Railways and Fire & Emergency sectors.
The SAC also approved a proposal for diversion of Forest land for construction of Degree College at Sunderbani in Nowshera Forest Division keeping in view the importance of the project from public standpoint.
The diversion of Forest Land has been approved in pursuance to the recommendations of the 111th and 112th Forest Advisory Committee (FAC) meetings held on 04-01-2019 and 21.01.2019 respectively under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary.
The proposals cleared Friday include use of forest land for upgrading to Chenani – Sudhmahadev section of National Highway-244, widening / upgradation of R.S pura- Suchetgarh road, Water Supply Scheme at Baba ReshiCheerdara, Transmission line from Alustang – Leh for installation of Towers, construction of Fire and Emergency Station in Ramnagar, erection of Cell Phone Towers and providing Telecom Services in Kishtwar and Udhampur Districts, construction of PMGSY roads in Poonch, Rajouri and Bandipora Districts, construction of 1640 M Span bridge over River Chenab at Sajwal/Jourian and other critical infrastructure of Army and GREF.
Work on these projects could not commence till date due to pending Forest clearance. By virtue of the State Administrative Council decision, the work on all these projects shall get started and give impetus to the developmental projects much to the convenience of the general public.