J&K govtdigitises forest land records, maps

The demarcation files, maps and other land records of forest areas in the state have been digitised and are being uploaded on state e-facility (state's server) for the security of records, Jammu and Kashmir Minister for Forest Lal Singh today said.
Replying to a question by MLA M Y Tarigami, the Minister said the department is also imparting training to DFOs to use the digitised records.
"Muhafiz Khana for security of the old demarcation files, maps of demarcated forests have been established at Jammu as well as in Srinagar," he said.
"Based on demarcation files and records, the boundary pillars are being renovated and reconstructed in sensitive locations. The new boundary pillars made of concrete are being erected at all the locations. The geo-reference of the established boundary pillars are being taken and stored for further use," he said.

On the conservation of Wullar Lake, Dal Lake and other lakes and wetlands in the state, the Minister said during the past five years the Wullar Conservation and Management Authority has carried out dredging and de-silting operations over an area of 1 square kilometer of the critically silted area and they stand fully restored.
He further informed that to enhance the water holding capacity of Wullar Lake, the government is contemplating to carry out dredging and removal of willow plantation from the critically silted areas of the Lake in near future.

He said during the past 6 years, Rs 60 crore have been released for conservation of Wullar Lake.

Regarding other lakes of the state, the Minister said J&K Lakes and Waterways Development Authority (LAWDA) has mandate for conservation and preservation of Dal and Nigeen Lake and it has taken up various projects for their conservation.
"The Projects which are under implementation include conservation and Management of Dal and Nigeen Lakes at a project cost of Rs 298.76 crore, acquisition of land and structures at a project cost of Rs 356.30 crore and Development of Rakh-e-Arth housing Colony for rehabilitation of Dal dwellers at a cost of Rs 416.72 crore," he said.
The Minister also informed the House that department is also managing 15 notified wetlands under J&K Wildlife (Protection) Act 1978 which include Hygam, Mirgund, Shallabugh, Freshkori, Mangigam, Chatlum, Kranchoo, Hokersar, Sunisar, Mansar, Gharana, Ranjit Sagar wetlands, Pangong Tso, Tsomoriri, Tsokar Tso and Tsigul Tso.

The Minister also gave year-wise details of financial releases and achievements in regulation of these wetlands.
The Minister said the Markhor recovery project was launched in 2009-10 to ensure conservation of the globally threatened wild goat species.
He further said the Supreme Court Judgment which had proposed the forest department to hand over Lachipora Wildlife Sanctuary to Wildlife department and declaration of the Kazinag as National Park has been implemented.