Srinagar, Aug 23: Minister Forest and Environment, Mian Altaf today said afforestation and conservation of the forests besides providing timber to the consumers were main objectives of the Forest department.
 Chairing a high level officers meeting to take stock, supply and distribution of timber to the state consumers besides to review the utilization of Compensatory Afforestation Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) funds for promotion of forests, the Minister underscored the need for timely supply of timber to the deserved consumers so that they could do their constructions before winter.
 He asked the officers that sanctions for timber should be issued to only deserved ones after proper verification. He warned that undeserved persons, not be issued timber sanctions.  “If anybody from forest department found involved in this regard stringent action would be taken against such officials”, he cautioned.
 Mian Altaf called upon authorities to redouble their efforts and ensure dumping of targeted timber at all sale outlets for distribution. He also instructed for stocking and supply of firewood for mosques from September 15.
 The Minister also reviewed physical and financial achievements registered under CAMPA. He was apprised that an amount of Rs 40.51 crore is being expended for overall development of forests in the state during current fiscal under this programme.
 Mian Altaf asked the officers that funds should be utilized in a proper with special focus on building quality infrastructure and afforestation of forests. He cautioned that any misuse of CAMPA funds from any officer or official should be taken seriously and concerned erring ones would be dealt with strict action under law.
 Commissioner Secretary, Forests, Shantmanu, Principal Chief Conservator Forests, R D Tiwari, Chief Conservator Forests, Manzoor Ahmad, Conservator of Forests, Nissar Ahmad besides DFOs of various forest divisions attended the meeting.

Lastupdate on : Tue, 23 Aug 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Tue, 23 Aug 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Wed, 24 Aug 2011 00:00:00 IST