Reviewed progress of Forest Rights Committees
KUPWARA, SEPTEMBER 6: Deputy Commissioner Kupwara, Imam Din today convened a meeting of concerned officers to review the progress of directions given by Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor during his visit to Bangus valley of Kupwara district on August 11, this year. The Deputy Commissioner reviewed point wise all directions and directed the concerned officers to expedite the execution of assigned works so that the one year target fixed by Lieutenant Governor will be accomplished. He also stressed upon the officers to keep in view the limited working season as the area experiences heavy snowfall during winter season. Reviewing the department wise activities, the Deputy Commissioner directed Executive engineer R&B to ensure timely compensation to the beneficiaries and blasting of stones wherever required so that road connectivity to Bangus as desired by higher authorities should be completed within the targeted period. The Deputy Commissioner directed SE and other concerned officers to implement the decisions and asked Executive Engineer to follow. The Deputy Commissioner directed Jal Shakti department to make DPRs for installation of 15 hand pumps manually as a short term plan to provide drinking water facilities. He also directed them to work out long term plan separately and tap the source of water to ensure smooth water facility in the Bangus area. The Deputy Commissioner also asked Assistant Commissioner Panchayats to set up eco-friendly pre-fab toilets at various common locations in the area. The Deputy Commissioner also directed Forest department for development of pedestrian paths from Drangyari to Chota Bangus and Reshwari to Bada Bangus for which Rural development department will provide unskilled labour component. The Deputy Commissioner also reviewed the mobile network facility and was informed that two towers have been erected in the Nowgam area and work is in progress. The Deputy Commissioner directed concerned officers to work in tandem with each other so that better results could be yielded to boost the tourist destination Bangus. Among others, JD Planning, ACD, ACP, DIO, AO, DFO, Executive Engineers of Jal Shakti and other concerned were present in the meeting. Earlier, the Deputy Commissioner in a separate meeting reviewed the progress of Forest Rights Act during which he directed the concerned officers to frame a calendar of activities to achieve the targets within the stipulated time and ensure fool proof verification of the litigations and other applications being received at different levels of Forest Committees. During the meeting, it was informed that 6130 applications have been received in Kehmil, Kamraj and Langate Forest divisions, out of which 835 cases have been verified. The Deputy Commissioner directed the concerned officers to intensify the verification and gave a target of 300 cases to be completed within 5 days and place them before Sub Division Level Forest Committees. The Deputy Commissioner also directed them to work in transparent and fair way and remove all bottlenecks confronting the implementation of Forest Rights Act at ground level. He directed them to prioritize ST dominated areas and community rights. ADC Handwara, Nazir Ahmad Mir; ACR, JD Planning, SDMs of Lolab & Karnah; ACD, ACP, DIO, DFOs and other concerned officers were present in the meeting.
