JAMMU: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Tuesday chaired a meeting of the Sub-Committee constituted to examine issues related to Gair Mumkin Khads in Jammu and Kashmir, stressing the need for pro-public, pragmatic and balanced policy decisions.
The meeting, held at the Civil Secretariat, Jammu, was attended by Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmad Rana, and Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, Cooperative and Election Departments, Javid Ahmad Dar, who are members of the Sub-Committee.
Additional Chief Secretary, Jal Shakti Department, Shaleen Kabra briefed the Sub-Committee on the present status of Gair Mumkin Khads and highlighted challenges related to their identification, protection and management.
Addressing the meeting, the Deputy Chief Minister emphasized that policy interventions must be citizen-centric while maintaining ecological balance. He underlined the importance of addressing genuine public grievances in an amicable manner, ensuring environmental protection without adversely affecting livelihoods and property rights of the people.
The Sub-Committee held detailed discussions on the existing status of Gair Mumkin Khads, rivers and nallahs, along with associated concerns, with the objective of providing relief to the general public wherever necessary.
Surinder Choudhary directed the concerned departments to sensitize all stakeholders and undertake proper scientific mapping of Gair Mumkin Khads, nallahs and adjoining non-cultivable waste lands. He also stressed the need for comprehensive mapping of flood-prone areas to strengthen disaster preparedness and mitigate risks to life and property.
The meeting also reviewed climatic challenges and measures being taken to mitigate the impact of climate change on the environment, human life and infrastructure.
The Deputy Chief Minister instructed departments to take stringent action against illegal encroachments and ensure retrieval of encroached land across Jammu and Kashmir in a time-bound manner.
Members of the Sub-Committee shared valuable suggestions and highlighted various public concerns requiring urgent attention.
Among others, Special Secretary, Jal Shakti Department, and other senior officers attended the meeting.
