* Reviews afforestation progress across J&K
Excelsior Correspondent
AWANTIPORA, May 21: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo today visited Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) and inaugurated the Centre for Good Governance & Policy Analysis (CGG&PA) during a series of engagements aimed at strengthening policy research, governance innovation and institutional collaboration.
During the visit, the Chief Secretary toured Campus I and Campus III of the university and inspected various laboratories and academic facilities. He also interacted with officers and faculty members.
Atal Dulloo appreciated the efforts of the faculty and staff in the growth and academic advancement of the university, particularly its introduction of high-end and emerging programmes in frontier sciences and artificial intelligence in line with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Congratulating Prof. Shakil A Romshoo Vice Chancellor IUST and his team for the achievements made by IUST, he expressed confidence that the Centre for Good Governance & Policy Analysis would further strengthen the university’s contribution towards policy research and institutional development. He remarked that IUST possesses immense potential to contribute towards improving ease of living for the people through meaningful collaborations with the government and national-level institutions.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Shakil A. Romshoo highlighted the university’s achievements and outlined its vision for academic excellence, innovation, and public engagement. He stated that IUST has emerged as an active contributor to several flagship national missions through its work in sustainability, emerging technologies, entrepreneurship, healthcare, and community development.
Earlier, Director, CGG&PA, Dr. G. N. Itoo said that the Centre would serve as an important platform for promoting evidence-based policymaking, interdisciplinary research, and meaningful collaboration between academia, Government institutions, and society to address contemporary governance and developmental challenges. A documentary showcasing the university’s academic, research, innovation, and outreach initiatives was also screened.
Meanwhile, Chief Secretary reviewed the physical achievements and implementation progress of afforestation and ecological restoration works being undertaken across Jammu and Kashmir under the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA), emphasizing sustainable restoration of degraded forests, scientific monitoring and enhanced protection of vulnerable forest landscapes across the UT.
The review was held during the 27th meeting of the Steering Committee of J&K CAMPA and was attended by Additional Chief Secretary, Finance; Commissioner Secretary, Forests; PCCF (HoF); Chief Wildlife Warden; CEO, CAMPA and other senior officers of the Forest Department.
During the meeting, the Chief Secretary directed the Forest Department to ensure complete digitization of forest maps and boundary pillars for effective demarcation and protection of forest land.
Stressing the need for improving the survival rate of plantations, he called for linking payments to contractors with the survival of planting material and directed the Finance Department to vet future tenders for incorporation of suitable clauses in this regard. He also instructed the department to ensure greater field presence of staff up to the rank of Rangers for safeguarding forests and enhancing green cover across Jammu and Kashmir.
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