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| Situation in Kashmir near normal’ | | Guv concerned over forest depletion | |
SRINAGAR, MAY 17
Saying that depletion of forests and corruption were serious challenges facing the nation, Governor Lt. Gen (Retd) S K Sinha today called for serious endeavors to combat this menace.
Interacting with 36 Indian Forest Service probationers and senior officers at Raj Bhavan this evening, the Governor stressed the need for implementing the Forest Policy with a sense of commitment for expanding the forest cover.
In this context, he referred to the judicial directives on formulating a forest policy and maintaining environment in the capital city of Delhi and said that greater awareness must be promoted in the civil society for giving priority to the implementation of policies related to up-gradation of forests.
General Sinha described forest ranges as the cutting edge of the forest organization like police stations in the police hierarchy and said that effective implementation of policies are reflected on ground through the determination and commitment of grass root level workers. ‘Being in supervisory role you have to ensure that the policy is translated into reality on ground rather than it remaining confined to files only’, he advised the officers.
Expressing concern over degradation of forests, the Governor recalled his days as Vice Chief of the Army Staff when a territorial battalion dedicated to environment was raised in Dehradun which transformed the denuded area in Nainital into dense forests within a few years. He said the people as also the forest officials can play a pivotal role in expanding forest cover.
To the questions of the officers, the Governor gave an overview of improving scenario in Kashmir, which has been undergoing a traumatic phase of militancy, and said that the situation is now near normal. He said the Valley, blessed with scenic splenour and nature’s bounty, is also known for its unique philosophy and belief of amity and brotherhood called Kashmiriyat which can be hardly found anywhere else. ‘Unfortunately, things went wrong and the old concept got eroded’, he said adding that this glorious philosophy is being revived.
On a question about multi-dimensional aspects of the national security, the Governor said that everyone has a role to play in steering the nation to becoming a super-power. ‘This calls for a united effort by all agencies and organizations of the Government’, he said, calling for greater interaction between them.
He also dwelt on the forest service and said that it has graduated from the central service to an All India Service immediately after independence and urged the officers to work with a sense of devotion and dedication. He welcomed them in the Valley of Kashmir and hoped that this field visit will add to their knowledge and experience about forestry.
Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Mr Irshad Ahmed Khan, Chief Conservator of Forests, Kashmir, Mr Abdul Razak Khan and Chief Wild Life Wardon, Mr A K Srivastava were present on the occasion.
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