The Jammu and Kashmir government has approved the diversion of over 10 hectares of forest land for the implementation of 29 Water Supply Schemes (WSS) in Doda and Udhampur districts under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM). The approval comes following clearance from the Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change (MoEFCC) to enhance water supply infrastructure in these districts.
Additionally, 1.23 hectares of forest land from the Social Forestry Division Baramulla has been cleared for the Srinagar-Baramulla-Uri road project.
Fast-Tracked Clearance for Development Projects
After a high-level meeting between Union Forest Minister Bhupender Yadav and J&K Forest Minister Javed Rana, the MoEFCC expedited Phase-III clearance for the projects on February 1. The J&K Forest Department has now approved the use of forest land, subject to compensatory afforestation measures.
Javed Rana had recently met the Union Forest Minister in New Delhi, urging the central government to speed up approvals for pending Forest Conservation Act (FCA) cases related to the Jal Jeevan Mission. The Union Minister assured full cooperation to ensure that essential water infrastructure projects in forested areas proceed without delays.
Key Water Supply Projects Approved
Six major projects cleared under the Jal Jeevan Mission include:
- Chigla Balota, Chakal, Tikri, Kund, Chatrari, and improvement of WSS Lalli.
Other schemes approved for forest land use in Udhampur Forest Division:
- Mand, Kaghote, Jadsarkote, Krimchi Deli Chak, Malhar, Katti, and Demnote-Radnote.
In Doda Forest Division, approvals were granted for:
- Hanch Malna, Seel, Tantna, Aul Ugad, Mohalla, Jathali, and Jojote.
- In Bhaderwah Forest Division: Thalela, Southa, and Puneja.
- In Ramnagar Forest Division: Balandh and Jandrari.
Balancing Development & Conservation
The Forest Conservation Act (1980) mandates prior clearance for projects affecting forest land to balance development and environmental protection. To offset ecological loss, the government has initiated Compensatory Afforestation (CA), covering over 21 hectares of degraded forest land.
Commitment to Sustainable Growth
Forest Minister Javed Rana emphasized that the forest clearance is a crucial step toward providing safe and adequate drinking water to every household in J&K. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to sustainable growth while ensuring environmental conservation.
“The forest clearance for these projects demonstrates our dedication to fully implementing the Jal Jeevan Mission in J&K. We are ensuring development benefits everyone while maintaining ecological balance,” he said.
Strict Monitoring & Implementation
The Minister directed authorities to ensure aggressive compensatory afforestation and strict monitoring of project implementation to prevent delays. He praised the Forest Department and concerned agencies for expediting approvals while adhering to environmental norms.
With these clearances, J&K moves closer to achieving the goal of universal tap water access, marking a significant step toward improving water infrastructure in forested regions.
