*Launches online NDC service
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 30: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, today chaired two separate high-level meetings to review the initiatives undertaken for promotion of eco-tourism by the Forest Department and the commercial cultivation of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAP) across J&K.
The meeting on eco-tourism was attended by the Commissioner Secretary, Forests; Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF); Chief Wildlife Warden; Managing Director, Forest Development Corporation; Director, Remote Sensing and other senior officers of the Forest Department.
During the deliberations, the Chief Secretary emphasised the need for a more comprehensive and well-planned approach to eco-tourism development. He advised the department to identify destinations that can offer multiple eco-tourism options, enabling visitors to choose activities based on their interests and the duration of their stay.
The role of the Forest Development Corporation in strengthening eco-tourism infrastructure and services was discussed in detail. The PCCF, Suresh Kumar Gupta, highlighted successful eco-tourism models adopted in other states, including the Ranjit Sagar Lake initiative in Punjab and similar models in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, which were examined for possible replication in J&K.
Commissioner Secretary, Forests, Sheetal Nanda, stated that eco-tourism plan is still at a formative stage, with significant scope for improvement in planning, institutionalisation and execution. She underscored that the initiative aims at sustainable utilisation of the region’s rich natural resources while ensuring conservation of forests and wildlife, community participation, livelihood generation and preservation of local culture.
During the meeting, the Chief Secretary also rolled out the mobile application ‘e-Bahak’, developed by BISAG-N, for online grant of grazing permissions to nomadic pastoral communities of J&K. The trilingual app (Hindi, English and Urdu) is fully digital with an integrated payment gateway, eliminating manual intervention. It also features weather alerts and guidance systems to facilitate ease of use for nomads.
Later, the Chief Secretary chaired another meeting to discuss strategies for promotion of commercial cultivation of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants across the districts of the UT.
The Chief Secretary directed that commercial cultivation should commence with a few popular and locally suitable MAP varieties, with gradual diversification following the development of scientific packages of practices for additional crops. He emphasised active collaboration with research institutions such as SKUAST and CSIR-IIIM, Jammu.
Additional Chief Secretary, Agriculture Production Department, Shailendra Kumar, highlighted that in order to increase the rate of success the farmers’ profitability must remain the core objective of the strategy. He advised assessment of the capacity of existing nurseries and the range of products that can be developed through them.
He also called for prioritising MAP varieties unique to J&K to ensure sustainability and competitiveness of the trade, along with robust mechanisms to connect growers directly with buyers.
Meanwhile, in a significant move towards strengthening transparency, efficiency and citizen-centric governance, the Administrative Reforms, Inspections & Trainings Department (ARI & Trainings) today organised a pecial programme to mark the launch of key administrative initiatives aimed at modernising public service delivery in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
The event was presided over by the Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, and was attended by several Administrative Secretaries and senior officers. On the occasion, the Chief Secretary formally launched the Online Service for Issuance of No Demand Certificates (NDCs) pertaining to Educational Loans.
The newly introduced digital service has been designed to simplify and expedite the process for retiring Government employees seeking No Demand Certificates from the concerned departments. By eliminating manual procedures, the initiative is expected to significantly reduce delays, enhance accountability and ensure greater ease of access for beneficiaries.
During the event, the Chief Secretary also unveiled the Jammu and Kashmir Government Annual Calendar–2026, which outlines important official events, observances and milestones for the forthcoming year. The calendar depicts significant events, projects and holidays, presented month-wise for ease of reference.
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