STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forests, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, on Saturday approved forest clearance for a series of critical developmental projects aimed at driving progress across Jammu and Kashmir.
The clearance marks a major step forward in government’s commitment to infrastructure expansion and economic growth in the Union Territory while simultaneously addressing environmental issues.
The approved projects included Water Supply Schemes (WSS) Bhattan, Kewa, Amrothi, Darsoo Guddar and others which aim to improve essential infrastructure in both rural and urban areas. The 4G Saturation Project in Babeti has also been cleared, reinforcing the government’s focus on enhancing digital connectivity in remote and underserved regions. Additionally, re-routing of the 400 KV S/C Dulhasti to Kishenpur transmission line has been given the go-ahead, ensuring smoother power transmission and improved energy efficiency in critical areas.
The Minister directed the authorities to undertake aggressive compensatory afforestation to arrest any ecological imbalance, ensuring sustainable growth and infrastructure development.
Javed Rana, while announcing the approvals, emphasized the importance of these projects in addressing the developmental needs of the region. He remarked, “The forest clearance for these projects demonstrate our commitment towards fast-tracking development in Jammu and Kashmir while ensuring environmental sustainability. We are dedicated to fostering growth in a way that benefits every section of society.”
The Minister highlighted that these projects had been carefully reviewed to ensure compliance with environmental norms, reflecting the government’s balanced approach to development and conservation. He also commended the Forest Department and other concerned authorities for their proactive efforts in expediting the clearance process without compromising on environmental safeguards.
The clearance reflects the government’s broader vision of equitable development, prioritising projects that address long-standing infrastructural gaps and improve the standard of living for residents.
Rana further stressed the need for timely implementation of these projects and assured that the administration would monitor their progress closely to avoid delays.
The Minister also reiterated the government’s commitment towards expanding opportunities for growth and modernising infrastructure across the Union Territory. He expressed confidence that these initiatives would pave the way for a more connected and resource-efficient Jammu and Kashmir.