4.58 lakh Cft of timber to be distributed from July 25 in South Kashmir: Mian Altaf

Srinagar, July 08: Minister for Forest and Environment Mian Altaf Ahmad said that 4.58 lakh Cft of timber would be distributed among the deserving consumers of Anantnag, Shopian, Kulgam and Pulwama districts from July 25, 2009. He directed the concerned authorities to ensure the dumping of full quota of timber by July 22 so that the deserving consumers would not face any hardship for the same. He said the department has started stocking of timber on war-footing basis which are being dumped at the 306 sale centres of the department.

The Minister was speaking in an officers meeting of State Forest Corporation (SFC), Forest Protection Force, Soil Conservation Department and Forest Department at Anantnag today. He reviewed the overall functioning of these departments and took stock of extraction and distribution of timber in South Kashmir.

Among others, District Development Commissioner, Anantnag Sheikh Mustaq Ahmad, Managing Director, SFC, Mr. Abdul Qayoom Khan, Director Forest Protection Force, Mr. Vinod Ranjan, Director Soil Conservation, Mr. Lal Chand besides senior officers of forest department attended the meeting.

The Forest Minister issued instruction for distribution of timber in a transparent manner and directed that the timber should be distributed as per the norms of the department among the needy ones. He also directed that if needed the seized timber of 32000 Cft should also be distributed to the consumers.

The Minister directed Forest Corporation authorities for accelerating their efforts for extraction of timber from the forests well in time so that people would not face any hardship for the same. He stressed that the verification of deserving persons should be done well in time and every needy consumer be provided timber for the construction purposes. He said if any hanky-panky is found in the verification process the involving officer or official would be punished. He also stressed for intensifying the drive for stopping timber smuggling from the forests.

While reviewing the physical achievements of Social Conservation Department registered in South Kashmir during first three months of current physical, the Minister was informed that 1.40 lakh plants have been planted in various forest areas of the district while as 31,000 rfts of forests have been fenced with barbed wire. The meeting was also informed that 1700 quintals of green grass worth Rs 5 lakh have been distributed among the farmers free of cost. (NAK)