Srinagar, May 24: The Minister for Forests and Environment, Mian Altaf Ahmad on Thursday underscored the importance of soil and water conservation activities in the State and directed the officials to launch water harvesting schemes in rain fed and barren areas.
Addressing a review meeting of the Soil Conservation Department, Altaf said that the major focus during the current fiscal would on soil and water conservation activities.
He said nine artificial ground water recharge projects have been identified for Kashmir province to check depletion ground water level.
He enjoined upon the officers of the department to work with commitment and transparency. “Laxity in accomplishing the set physical and financial targets would not be tolerated,” he said.
The Minister while laying emphasis on soil conservation and plantation programme said there were essential employment not only for conserving ecology and environment but also for providing avenues for the youth.
“Officers must conduct field visits to ascertain that works are executed on ground. I would conduct surprise inspections to check impact of the scheme on ground. Those works should be taken up on priority which would benefit larger chunk of population instead of showering benefits to individuals,” he said.
“The officers should come up to the expectations of the people who have pinned high hopes with the present dispensation headed by the dynamic Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah,” he added

Lastupdate on : Thu, 24 May 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Thu, 24 May 2012 18:30:00 GMT
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