SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister Javed Ahmed Rana has directed the Forest Development Corporation (FDC) Limited and other concerned agencies to set clear, measurable monthly targets for timber marking, extraction, transportation and auction, with the current year’s extraction to be completed before snowfall.
Rana issued the directions while chairing a meeting at the Civil Secretariat to review the functioning and issues concerning the Forest Development Corporation.
He stressed the need to remove procedural delays, expedite tendering and streamline the timber supply chain to ensure timely availability of quality timber to consumers at reasonable rates.
“There should be no avoidable delay at any stage, from marking and extraction to transportation and auction,” Rana said, directing officers to monitor progress against monthly targets.
The Minister said delays in timber marking could affect subsequent stages of extraction, transportation and market availability. He also called for proper grading and quality assessment and transparent auctioning to ensure consumers receive quality timber at reasonable rates.
Rana directed the Corporation to undertake a comprehensive review of its monthly performance, sales, revenue generation and operational efficiency. He also called for a detailed vision document for the next two to three years, covering targets for timber sales, revenue enhancement, operational reforms and improved public service delivery.
He further asked officials to formulate a focused policy to increase timber sales, strengthen market linkages and improve the efficiency of the timber supply chain while ensuring sustainable management of forest resources.
The Minister also reviewed the status of auction depots and Central Timber Sale Depots (CTSDs) across Jammu and Kashmir and directed officials to address operational bottlenecks and ensure their efficient functioning.
Commissioner Secretary, Forest, Ecology and Environment, Sheetal Nanda, Managing Director, Forest Development Corporation, Dr K Anandh, and Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Sarvesh Rai, who participated online, attended the meeting.
