The Government of Jammu and Kashmir has taken a significant step towards environmental conservation by superseding the previous order with a new mandate to form a committee aimed at establishing a land bank. This initiative is set forth under the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980, for compensatory afforestation in lieu of forest land that has been diverted for non-forest purposes.
The formal announcement came through Government Order No.: 1130-JK(GAD) dated 04.06.2024, which was released by the General Administration Department, Civil Secretariat, J&K.
Committee Constitution Details
The committee comprises high-ranking officials including:
- Principal Chief Conservator of Forests & HoFF, J&K, who will chair the committee.
- PCCF/Chief Wildlife Warden J&K, who will serve as one of the members.
- Nodal Officer, FCA, along with APCCF/CCF, Jammu/Kashmir.
- Director, Department of Ecology, Environment & Remote Sensing, J&K.
- Additional Secretary to the Government, Revenue Department (handling land matters).
- Divisional Commissioners’ representatives from both Kashmir and Jammu regions (no one below the rank of Assistant Commissioner).
- Representative of Financial Commissioner, Revenue (not below Assistant Commissioner rank).
- Assistant Commissioners where the administers the land belongs.
Objectives and Priorities
The committee’s Terms of Reference include:
- Identifying suitable non-forest land outside the administrative control of the J&K Forest Department to be included in the land bank for compensatory afforestation.
- Prioritizing categories of land such as Revenue lands/ Gair Mumkin Jhaad/ Gair Mumkin Jungle/ Gair Mumkin Pahar/ Banjar Kadim/ Gair Mumkin Khad etc.
This development showcases the government’s proactive approach to maintaining ecological balance by compensating the forest land that is being transferred for other developments.
The focused move towards compensatory afforestation under the guidelines of the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980, and the 2023 ruling elucidates the state’s commitment to preserving its green cover and mitigating the effects of deforestation.
The community eagerly awaits the sustainable outcomes of this essential initiative. Stay tuned for more updates on the functioning and achievements of the newly constituted committee.
Order Copy
