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| Timber smuggling caused shrinkage of forest cover: Qazi | | |
Srinagar, May 11
Warning smugglers of timber of sever action under laws, Minister for Forest, Environment, Housing and Urban Development Qazi Mohammad Afzal has said that the menace of timber smuggling has caused shrinkage of forest cover in the state. Forest wealth is one of the essential components of biodiversity maintaining ecological balance and assuring significant resource for the state, he added.
Qazi Afzal was addressing a function organized by the Forest Department in connection with the distribution of generators and L.P.Gas connection at Anantnag today.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister called upon the nature lovers to extend their cooperation to the government in its endeavour to protect green wealth. He said that the people living near the forest areas need to be more involved in the protect of the forests wealth. Qazi Afzal also asked concerned departments to work in coordination to ensure better results.
He exhorted for launching a sustained campaign to educate people about the importance of forests. He said that Integrated Water Shed Development Programme (IWDP) would be introduced in the district Anantnag soon. He said that the aim of this Programme is to provide benefits to the people of the district living below poverty line.
Qazi Afzal said that at present sufficient timber is available in the depots of State Forest Corporation and Forest Department. He said that the timber would be provided to the consumers smoothly. He directed the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Mr. Irshad Ahmed Khan to convene a meeting of prominent citizens of Anantnag district regarding streamlining the process of timber distribution among the consumers.
The Minister announced that the functionaries of the various wings of the forest department would be rewarded for outstanding performance and honesty but those found causing loss to public interest would be brought to book.
Responding to the demands put forth by the Non-Gazetted Forest Officers Association and SFSO, J&K. Qazi Afzal assured them that their genuine demands would be looked into.
Legislators Mr. G. A. Mir and Mr. Sartaj Madani also addressed the gathering and both the leaders highlighted the policies and programmes of the present government. They said that the coalition government is committed to provide all basic amenities to all the three regions of the state. They appealed to the people to come forward and help to curb the menace of smuggling of timber.
Among others, Deputy Commissioner, Anantnag, Chief Conservator of Forests, Kashmir, Director, Social Forestry were present.
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