Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 13: Commissioner/Secretary to Government, Forest Department Sanjeev Verma reviewed implementation of various developmental schemes in Jammu and Reasi districts the other day.
During the extensive tour undertaken at Nagrota, Marh, Shibba, Bamyal, Dera Baba Bandha Bahadur, Verma inspected various traditional water harvesting step wells and archeologically important sites en-route, most of which were lying in dilapidated condition. He was accompanied by Director/PCCF Department of Social Forestry, Director Soil & Water Conservation, CCF Jammu, DFOs and other senior Forest officers.
He issued directions to the field functionaries of department to identify the areas where interventions are requested to be taken up for amelioration of water regime involving the department of soil and water conservation in the form of small check dams to preserve rainwater and retain the run off to ensure recharging of water ground.
He further emphasized the importance of rainwater harvesting for these Kandi areas which shall help in increase in production of grass and fodder for locals. The department has also been directed to integrate forestry works with the RDD under MGNREGA Convergence Plan to generate maximum number of man days for local population, thereby involving people in the protection of forests.
In an impressive function at Marh, the Commissioner/Secretary distributed solar lights to 20 beneficiaries under Green India Mission to promote renewable and clean source of energy. The public outreach function was initiated with the plantation of ceremonial plantation of Molsari tree, in which PRI members and joint Forest Member Committees of Green India Mission Marh actively participated.
Another public outreach function under JK Green Drive and Har Gaon Haryali was held at Dera Baba Banda Bahadur in Reasi district where Verma interacted with the village Panchayat Plantation Committee (VPPCs) of Kanjali, Babbar Brahmana and Dera Baba villages in presence of DDC member, other PRI members along with Addl Dy Commissioner and Asstt. Commissioner (D) Reasi. The PRI members expressed their interest to spare sizable patch of Panchayat/village common lands for establishing village woodlots (VWLs) as these would act as asset for Panchayats and yield benefits in the form of fodder/grasses, fuel-wood besides source of revenue for Gram Panchayats.
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