Implementation of APOs of 2019-20 of Forest and Wildlife Departments extensively reviewed

Srinagar, June 9 : Chief Secretary, B. V. R. Subrahmanyam chaired the 17th meeting of the Steering Committee of the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) here and extensively reviewed the implementation of the Annual Plan of Operations (APOs) of Forest and Wildlife Departments for the Year 2019-20 approved in January, 2019.

Principal Secretary, Planning, Development and Monitoring, Commissioner/Secretary, Forest, Ecology and Environment, PCCF, J&K, Chief Wildlife Warden, J&K, Chairman, SPCB, Director, Soil & Water Conservation, representative of MoEF&CC, Regional Office Chandigarh and other senior officers participated in the meeting. NGO member Shri Nazir-B-Nazir also attended the meeting as special invitee.

Shri Sarvesh Rai, APCCF(CAMPA) made a detailed presentation on the physical and financial achievements registered against the approved Annual Plan of Operations (APOs) under CAMPA for the year 2019-20.

While reviewing the contribution of CAMPA towards conservation and restoration of Forests in the State, the Committee was informed that against the 13,000 ha of forest area diverted under Jammu and Kashmir Forest Conservation Act for development works till date, more than 45000 ha degraded forest area has been treated under CAMPA.

Chief Secretary emphasised on effective utilization of CAMPA funds for compensatory afforestation particularly in degraded forest areas, soil moisture conservation, wildlife management, catchment area treatment and increasing green cover outside forests areas.

Further,  to promote transparency, Chief Secretary directed the Forest Department to separately upload the coordinates/Maps of CAMPA works on the website of J&K Forest Department besides uploading the same on the website of e-green watch portal of the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

The Committee also reviewed the status of implementation of the directions issued during the 16th Steering Committee meeting of CAMPA regarding undertaking an audit of watch & ward enganged under CAMPA and in the Forest Department and sought a compliance reports by June, 15 and June, 22, 2019 respectively.

Further, in order to introduce systemic improvements and fiscal discipline, the Forest Department was asked to activate the Village Forest Committees (VFCs) by involving them in various Social Forestry activities undertaken under CAMPA including those related to plantation, engangement of Watch & Ward and expenditure.

Regarding Monitoring of CAMPA works, the Committee was informed that while internal monitoring is being undertaken at various levels, the department is in the process of enganging a 3rd Party for Monitoring purposes. The Committee asked the department to complete the process of uploading of RFP by June, 15, evaluation by July 22 and awarding of the 3rd Party Monitoring contract  by July, 31, 2019.

Further, the Committee decided that CAMPA funds shall be routed through Treasury System for which the Forest Department was asked to propose necessary amendments, as may be required, in the relevant rules, in consultation with the Finance department by June, 22, 2019.

The Committee also approved the proposal of the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) to the tune of Rs 5.50 Crore regarding catchment area treatment plan for River Rejuvenation of River Dwarka, Banganga, Tawi, Basanter, Chenab, Jehlum and Sindh.

Given the importance of conservation and protection of flora, fauna and forest wealth, Chief Secretary urged the officers of the Forest Department to redouble their efforts so that afforestation and compensatory plantation is undertaken in a mission mode for maintaining of the ecological balance in the State. The Department was further directed to expedite updating of Forest Demarcation records and installation of boundary pillars in order to prevent encroachment of forest lands.

The Forest Department was asked to further examine the desirability of its proposal regarding setting up of Smriti Vans (Remembeance Parks) in Territorial Division Headquarters by consulting various stakeholders and also formulate a comprehensive scheme for management of the Smriti Vans.

NGO member, Nazir-B-Nazir thanked the Committee for sanctioning of the biodiversity park at Harran (near Ganderbal)  and sought early completion of the project. Chief Secretary directed the Forest Department to explore the possibility of completing the said biodiversity park project within three years instead of five years.

Srinagar, June 09 : Governor Satya Pal Malik, accompanied by K. Vijay Kumar, Advisor to Governor and BVR Subrahmanyam, Chief Secretary, conducted an aerial survey of the entire Shri Amarnathji Yatra route, along the Baltal-Domel-Sangam-Panjtarni-Sheshnag-Chandanwari-Pahalgam axis to gain a firsthand view of the existing snow accumulation levels.

Governor expressed satisfaction upon the pace of ongoing snow clearing work and restoration of the tracks.

Governor has impressed upon the concerned authorities to ensure that the tracks are repaired and cleared and all facilities required for the smooth conduct of the Yatra put in place before its commencement on July 01, 2019. 

Srinagar, Jun 09 : The Kashmir Economic Alliance, (KEA) Chairman Haji Muhammad Yasin has extended full support to the top management of the J&K Bank.

In a statement issued , Khan who also heads the Kashmir Traders and Manufacturers Federation (KTMF) reiterated that J&K Bank is the “collective asset of the people of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh” and that the business community of Kashmir extends full support to the top management of this premier financial institution.

Khan said he hopes that the interim head RK Chibber, given his experience and contribution towards the bank,  will work for its prosperity by taking all stakeholders onboard.

“The business community has full faith in the top management and we hope that it will help bank grow further to give more benefits to the people of the state,” he said. 

Khan hoped that the J&K Bank’s top management will take the bank to new heights and provide all requisite services to the people in general and business community in particular.

He said it was the responsibility of the people to extend support to the bank so that it continues to scale new heights of success. 

Srinagar, June 9 : Governor Satya Pal Malik has felicitated people on the eve of Khirbhawani Mela.

In his message of greetings, the Governor has observed that this Festival is a shining example of communal harmony and brotherhood, which have been the hallmarks of the glorious pluralistic ethos of Jammu and Kashmir in the centuries past.

Governor has prayed for peace, harmony, progress and prosperity in the State. 

Srinagar, June 9 : Pursuant to the order of Government of Jammu and Kashmir regarding change of guard at J&K Bank, R. K. Chhibber assumed office as interim Chairman cum Managing Director of the bank.

Earlier, the Board of directors in its meeting held on June 8, 2019 at Corporate headquarters of the Bank took on record the government order and passed a resolution regarding appointment of R. K. Chhibber as Nominee Director of the Govt of J&K (Govt Director) on the Board of the Bank w.e.f. 08-Jun-2019.

The Board besides passed another resolution appointing R. K. Chhibber as the interim Chairman & Managing Director of the Bank subject to the approval of RBI.

R. K. Chhibber shall besides be the Interim Chairman of all sub-committees of the Board previously headed by the ex-Chairman.

The Board besides recommended splitting of the post of Chairman & Managing Director as per the provisions of SEBI regulations and RBI guidelines.

“Having full faith and confidence in the outstanding workforce of the Bank, we shall strive to not only weather the challenges at hand but put the Bank on a different pedestal with committed support of our promoters, The J&K Govt, regulators, vibrant management and dedicated workforce,” Chhibber said.

He said that setting New Benchmarks in business growth & profitability through customer centric business strategies, employee development & welfare, increased shareholder value, strengthening governance and improving compliance culture across the organization would be the prime focus areas.

Employees also gave a resounding welcome to the new Chairman at Corporate Headquarters, Srinagar and pledged their full support and commitment towards achievement of corporate goals.

R K Chhibber, joined the services of the bank as probationary officer in the year 1982 and has led the bank in various capacities from managing business operations at branch, Zonal offices and at Corporate level.

His main areas of expertise include Credit, Finance, IT, Corporate & Retail banking, Risk management, Trade Finance, Foreign exchange, Business continuity planning, HR, Banc assurance. Bank made remarkable improvements in technology infrastructure and expertise while being headed by him as Vice President IT.

He also headed J & K Grameen bank as Chairman for nearly three years and brought great laurels to the bank by performing with dedication and with accomplishment of key strategic goals. Prior to stepping into the role of Chairman & MD, he as Executive President functioned as Chief Compliance Officer of the bank besides handling Business Support division, Insurance, Government Banking, Lead Bank, CSC, FID, Subsidiary Management, Culture & Sports functions of the bank.

He has to his backing a vast experience in versatile fields of banking and finance and almost 03 decades of relentless efforts in raising key milestones in the development of the bank.

KD NEWS SERVICE

Srinagar, June 09: It is with great sadness that the family of Showkat Ahmad Jan announces his passing away after a brief spell of illness, on Sunday, June 9, 2019 at the age of 69 years. Born in 1950 in Srinagar, Late Jan Saheb achieved his basic education in Srinagar and went to Aligarh Muslim University in late 1960s to pursue a degree course in Law stream. After completion of L.L.B he practised in different courts but eventually joined his family business. He is survived by his wife, two sons and five brothers. His five brothers include Dr Nisar Ahmad Jan, former commissioner Fisheries department and acting chairman of Public Service Commission.

From the minute we were born to the moment we take our last breath, there is that little time in between it all that we call life. Though change is the only thing constant in this world, the concept of losing someone forever is something that’s difficult to grasp. It is in this regard that with profound grief and sorrow, it is to inform the general public that Rasm-e-Chahrum of Late Jan sahib will be observed at 10 AM on Wednesday (June 12, 2019) at his ancestral graveyard, at Magarmal Bagh, Srinagar. After Fateh Khawani, a condolence meeting will be held at the residence of the deceased at his residence in Magarmal Bagh.

Late Jan Saheb will be greatly missed by one and all who knew him personally for his unique sense of humor and immense care and respect for others. For the most part, you’re forced to face reality for what it is. But, then comes the grueling process of making the announcement in the form of an obituary. Late Jan Saheb has left indelible marks with his philanthropic way of life besides being always available for the people in need and despair. May Allah Almighty grant highest pace to the departed soul and bestow the family with endurance to bear this irreparable loss. (ameen)