Minister for Forest, Environment and Ecology Javed Ahmed Rana today chaired a review meeting of senior officers to assess the overall functioning and performance of the Territorial Forest Department in the Kashmir Division.

The meeting was attended by Irfan Rasool Wani, Chief Conservator of Forests, Kashmir; Irfan Shah, Conservator of Forests, North Circle; Dr. Nadeem, Conservator of Forests, South Circle along with other senior officers of the department.

The Minister had a comprehensive review of key operational, developmental and service delivery aspects of the department.

Detailed discussions were held on the availability and distribution of firewood, progress of afforestation and plantation activities, timber supply under the Kashmir Notice Timber framework, implementation of Special Area Sector Capital Investment (SASCI) projects, development of Eco Parks and Forest Huts, timber marking besides achievement of prescribed physical and financial targets.

The officers informed the Minister that the department has achieved approximately 53 percent physical progress under the SASCI projects. It was further stated that the remaining works under these projects, as well as other ongoing developmental initiatives, are on track and targeted for completion by March this year.

Regarding essential public services, the Minister was apprised that against the approved target of 80,000 quintal of firewood, nearly 60,000 quintal have already been provisioned across the division. The remaining quantity is expected to be supplied by March, ensuring adequate availability during the winter season.

The meeting was also informed that under the Kashmir Notice Timber mechanism, around 2 lakh cubic feet (CFT) of timber has been supplied to 2,274 beneficiaries. Additionally, both the North and South Forest Circles have successfully completed timber marking of 5 lakh CFT each, which will be extracted by the Jammu and Kashmir Forest Development Corporation.

While expressing satisfaction over the progress achieved so far, Rana issued clear directions to the officers to expedite all ongoing works and adhere strictly to the set timelines. He stressed the need for ensuring firewood availability on a demand-driven basis while maintaining smooth, transparent and efficient functioning of the Forest Department.

Emphasizing timely achievement of targets and improved service delivery, the Minister urged the officers to remain responsive to public needs. He asked them to ensure that essential forest-related services are delivered effectively, particularly during the harsh winter months.