JAMMU, DECEMBER 18: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmad Rana, today emphasised strenuous efforts for making Jammu Kashmir Forest Development Corporation Limited (JKFDCL), a self reliant and profit earning organisation.
The Minister was chairing a meeting held to review the performance and functioning of JKFDCL at Civil Secretariat here.
While addressing the meeting, Javed Rana said that the JKFDCL has huge potential for revenue generation and steps should be taken for making the corporation self reliant.
Emphasising the need for utilising the assets more effectively making JKFDCL much profitable entity, the Minister stated that there is no dearth of resources but the need is to optimally explore and exploit those for enhanced revenue generation. He called for immediate and long term interventions for limiting the import of timber. He asked the Javed Rana also reviewed the conservation measures undertaken for cleaning and beautification of Wular Lake. He emphasised the importance of wetlands for maintaining ecological balance. He said that wetlands play a vital role in water purification, flood control and providing habitat for biodiversity.
He directed the officials to develop and undertake all necessary measures that address the challenges faced by the lake besides promoting sustainable use of these resources. He called for taking all necessary measures to preserve and conserve the Wular Lake. He also asked the officers to explore sustainable ways for generating revenue from the water body. He said that a survey should be conducted on the thriving fish species in the lake and migratory birds and other food products like water chestnuts and lotus stems, that provide sustenance to 30 surrounding villages.