JAMMU, Feb 7: Jammu and Kashmir Government has approved diversion of more than 10 hectare of forest land for various Water Supply Schemes in Doda and Udhampur districts.
The projects mostly pertained to water supply infrastructure projects related to Jal Jeevan Mission for augmentation of water supply schemes in the districts.
Additionally, clearance has been given for diversion of 1.23 hectare of forest land of Social Forestry Division Baramulla for Srinagar-Baramulla-Uri road.
After a high level meeting of Union Forest Minister Bhupender Yadav and JK Forest Minister Javed Rana held last week, MoEFCC moved promptly and expedited Phase-III clearance of the projects on 1st February and accordingly JK Forest Department has approved diversion of requisitioned forest land subject to compensatory afforestation.
To expedite completion of Jal Jeevan Mission that aims to provide tap water connection to every household, six projects that have been cleared included Water Supply Schemes Chigla Balota, Chakal, Tikri, Kund, Chatrari besides improvement and augmentation of WSS Lalli. The other schemes for which approval has been granted for use of forest land included WSS Mand, Kaghote, Jadsarkote, Krimchi Deli Chak, Malhar, Katti and Demnote-Radnote in Udhampur Forest Division.
In Doda Forest Division, seven projects that gained clearance included WSSs Hanch Malna, Seel, Tantna, Aul Ugad, Mohalla, Jathali, and Jojote and three projects in Bhaderwah Forest Division including WSS Thalela, Southa and Puneja.
The Minister highlighted that these projects had been carefully reviewed to ensure compliance with environmental norms, reflecting the government’s balanced approach to development and conservation.
He also commended the Forest Department and other concerned authorities for their proactive efforts in expediting the clearance process without compromising on environmental conservation.
Javed Rana further stressed the need for timely implementation of these projects and assured that the Jal Shakti Department will monitor their progress closely to avoid delays.Jammu travel guide
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