Wular Lake undergoing major restoration with focus on ecotourism, local livelihoods: Rana

Posted by admin_kas on 2025-03-22 20:10:46 |

Share: WhatsApp| Facebook| Twitter| Visits: 226

Says JKPCC has taken key steps to improve the ease of doing Business

KS News Desk

Srinagar, March 22: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana on Saturday said the J&K Pollution Control Committee (JKPCC) has taken key steps to improve the Ease of Doing Business by extending the Consent validity period for industries and adopting a revised industry classification.

The minister was speaking while winding up the discussion on Demands for Grants for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs.

 He said the validity of consent to operate has been increased from eight to 10 years for Orange category industries and from 12 to 15 years for Green category industries, while Consent to Establish is now valid for 5 years, extendable by 2 years.

"The revised classification, adopted in January 2025, promotes cleaner industries by reclassifying less polluting units to the Green category and placing pesticide formulation units under the stricter Red category,” he said.

Talking about Wular Lake, the largest freshwater wetland in Asia and a Ramsar site, Rana said that it is undergoing major restoration with a focus on ecotourism and local livelihoods.

Given the growing challenges of soil erosion and water scarcity, the Minister said that soil and water conservation has become crucial.

“Check dams, slope stabilization, and water harvesting structures are planned in coordination with Agriculture, Rural Development, and Irrigation and Flood Control Departments to recharge groundwater and prevent erosion,” he asserted.

The Minister also highlighted the need for conservation of Wildlife saying that the Wildlife protected areas are being managed scientifically with approved plans, regular patrolling and strict enforcement of the Wildlife Protection Act.

“The Department of Wildlife Protection has set up 42 control rooms across J&K to prevent poaching and human-wildlife conflicts. To strengthen manpower across all wings, the Forest Department is ensuring timely recruitment through selection agencies and fast-tracking promotions,” he added.

The minister said that the Kashmir Forest Training School is being upgraded to improve infrastructure and increase training capacity.

"A proposal for financial assistance will be submitted to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India," he added.

Regarding the Tribal Affairs Department, Javed Rana said the government pursues integrated Social, Economic, Educational, Cultural Development of tribal communities through several schemes.

He said that the department is mandated to conduct research studies and document tribal-related matters. He said that the department envisages welfare of tribal population through key schemes and programs.

Rana said that the tentative budget provision for Dharti Abha Janjatiya Gramin Utkarsh Yojana (DA-JGUA) for the financial year 2025-26 is Rs 30.44 crore. “The Scheme included 25 interventions from 17 departments and will initially cover 393 villages in 20 districts with at least 50 percent ST population or 500 ST individuals,” he said.

The Minister said that J&K Tribal Research complex has been established at Khimber Srinagar with a cost of Rs 11.50 crore which aims to serve as a think tank for tribal development with a focus on research, cultural preservation, capacity building, and awareness programs.

To promote education among the tribal students, the Minister informed that the department operates 28 hostels housing 2,885 students.

“Five new hostels are ready to be functional with 25 more hostels under construction at an estimated cost of Rs 89.21 crore, of which, five shall be completed during 2025-26,” he added.

The Minister said that six Eklavya Model Residential Schools (ERMS) have been made operational in Poonch, Rajouri, Kulgam, Anantnag and Bandipora and 11 more have been proposed for establishment during 2025-26 for providing quality education to ST children in remote areas.