SRINAGAR: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, today expressed concern over the delay in the release of wages to CAMPA employees and directed officials to ensure immediate disbursement and strengthen financial management mechanisms.
Chairing a meeting with senior officers to review environmental conservation, tribal welfare and water resource management, the Minister said delays in payment impact field operations and directed prompt administrative action.
The meeting was attended by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF), Chief Wildlife Warden J&K, Chief Engineer Jal Shakti and other senior officials.
The Minister called for preparation of a detailed afforestation plan for the upcoming monsoon season, with emphasis on plantation drives in deforested and eco-sensitive zones through community participation.
He asked the Forest and Jal Shakti departments to work jointly on soil conservation measures in watershed and catchment areas to tackle the issue of soil erosion.
On sustainable tourism, Rana directed the Forest Department to coordinate with the Tourism Department to identify trekking routes, develop basic facilities and involve local youth to boost eco-tourism, particularly along Mughal Road.
Reviewing the extraction and regulated disposal of fallen timber, the Minister stressed the need to simplify procedures to benefit locals while ensuring ecological protection.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to sustainable development and community-led conservation, Rana called for coordinated efforts to address field-level challenges effectively.
