Environment Minister gives clearance to key forest projects

 Minister for Jal Shakti, Forests, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, on Saturday approved forest clearance for a series of developmental projects aimed at fostering progress across Jammu and Kashmir. A statement issued by the government highlighted...

Minister for Jal Shakti, Forests, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana

Minister for Jal Shakti, Forests, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, on Saturday approved forest clearance for a series of developmental projects aimed at fostering progress across Jammu and Kashmir.

A statement issued by the government highlighted that the approval is a significant step in the administration’s commitment to expanding infrastructure and promoting economic growth in the Union Territory, while also addressing environmental concerns.

The approved projects include Water Supply Schemes (WSS) for Bhattan, Kewa, Amrothi, Darsoo Guddar, and others, which aim to enhance essential infrastructure in both rural and urban areas. Additionally, the 4G Saturation Project in Babeti has been cleared, reinforcing the government’s focus on boosting digital connectivity in remote and underserved regions. The re-routing of the 400 KV S/C Dulhasti to Kishenpur transmission line has also been approved, ensuring power transmission and improved energy efficiency in critical areas.

In the statement, the Minister directed authorities to prioritise aggressive compensatory afforestation efforts to address any ecological imbalance and ensure sustainable growth alongside infrastructure development.

While announcing the approvals, Minister Rana emphasised the importance of these projects in meeting the developmental needs of the region. “The forest clearance for these projects demonstrates our commitment to fast-tracking development in Jammu and Kashmir while ensuring environmental sustainability. We are dedicated to fostering growth in a manner that benefits all sections of society,” he said.

Rana also pointed out that these projects had been meticulously reviewed to ensure compliance with environmental norms, reflecting the government’s balanced approach to both development and conservation.

Commending the Forest Department and other authorities concerned for their proactive efforts in expediting the clearance process without compromising on environmental safeguards, the minister noted that the clearance aligns with the government’s broader vision of equitable development. He emphasised that these projects aim to address long-standing infrastructure gaps and improve the standard of living for the people of the region.

Rana further stressed the need for timely implementation of these projects and assured that the administration would closely monitor their progress to prevent delays. The Minister also reiterated the government’s commitment to expanding growth opportunities and modernising infrastructure across Jammu and Kashmir.