To strengthen defence coverage in Jammu, High-level panel gives green signal to proposal for use of forestland in conservation reserve

Srinagar, Oct 11, 2021: A high-level panel has given its clearance for diversion of forestland in a conservation reserve for deployment of operational assets to strengthen defence coverage to Jammu region by the Indian Air Force.

The Standing Committee of National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) has approved the proposal of use of 9.51 hectares (23.5 acres) of forestland from Bahu Conservation Reserve for deployment of operational assets to strengthen defence coverage to Jammu Region by Indian Air Force.

The proposal was cleared during the 65th meeting of NBWL held on September 24. The meeting was chaired by Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

According to record note of the meeting, a senior official of J&K government told participants that the move will strengthen air defence protection of Jammu city.

“The Chief Wild Life Warden, Jammu and Kashmir informed the standing committee that the proposal is for use of 9.51 ha. (23.5 Acres) of Forest land from Bahu Conservation Reserve for deployment of operational assets to strengthen defence coverage to Jammu Region by Indian Air Force,” read the record note.

The official also informed that the State Board for Wild Life has recommended the proposal.

“He further mentioned that chain link fencing has been proposed around the area so that wild animals do not cross over,” the record note states.

While giving its nod to the proposal, the panel directed that the Chief Wild Life Warden shall suggest a mitigation plan for mitigation of impacts due to the project and submit a report to the Ministry.

“The cost of such mitigation measures shall be paid by the user agency to the State Forest Department,” read the minutes of the meeting—(KNO)