NEW DELHI, JANUARY 29: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, today called on Union Minister for Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, in New Delhi to discuss key environmental and tribal welfare issues concerning Jammu & Kashmir.
Emphasizing the ecological significance of Jammu & Kashmir, which has over 52% of its land under forest cover, Javed Rana sought greater financial assistance and policy support from the central government to protect J&K’s biodiversity and strengthen sustainable development efforts.
During the meeting, Javed Rana highlighted the urgent need for increased funding for forest conservation, soil and water preservation and afforestation programs. He submitted a proposal seeking ₹75 crore for soil and water conservation in the Kandi region over the next three years, ₹100 crore for development of migratory routes for nomadic grazers and ₹50 crore for conserving medicinal plants in the Shivalik region.
environmental reforms. He reaffirmed the commitment of J&K Government led by Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, for policies that safeguard J&K’s natural heritage while ensuring the welfare of its tribal and forest-dependent communities.
Meanwhile, Javed Rana also called on Chief Minister of Himachal Pardesh, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, at New Delhi today and discussed issues of common public interest.
The Minister enquired about the strategies employed by Himachal Pradesh for protecting and conserving natural water resources and practices being employed to mitigate soil erosion and landslides.
