Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, June 10: A group of 30 Indian Forest Service Probationers from the Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy, Dehradun, currently on a tour to Jammu and Kashmir, called on Governor N. N. Vohra, at the Raj Bhavan here today.
The Governor, while interacting with the Forest Service Probationers, discussed a range of issues associated with conservation of forests and wild life including forest fires, growing incidents of man-animal conflicts, unplanned urbanization etc. He observed that it is of crucial importance to incorporate forest and wild life management issues while drawing up Master Plans for the growing urban areas. He stressed that the preservation of forests is deeply connected with the protection and preservation of the environment, particularly also as this impacts Climate Change.
The Governor, who is Chairman of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, also discussed the initiatives taken by the Board for the conservation and promotion of green cover in the entire area in the Trikuta Hills and enquired from the officers about their views after visiting the Shrine Board’s Nursery at Panthal.
Prof Amitabh Mattoo, Advisor to the Chief Minister also met Governor.
Prof. Mattoo discussed with the Governor several important issues relating to the speedy growth and development of the State.
A delegation of Jammu &Kashmir People’s Forum (J&KPF) led by its Chairman Syed Nassarullah Shah apprised the Governor about their more important concerns which included the urgent reconstitution of State Human Rights Commission; fixation of rational airfares from other parts of the country to the State to enable growth of tourism; early release of funds from the Government of India for various educational schemes launched for the poor students in the State; involvement of NGOs in the Skill Development programme; focused attention to the healthcare sector including early filling up of vacant posts; proper upkeep of Disaster Management Cell in the State Government; need for effective steps by the State Government to check adulterated food and other consumption items; early framing of rules and identification of space for old age hostel in the State as per the Parents Senior Citizens Welfare Act.
A delegation of Chotay Taray Foundation (CTF), led by its President, Arajmand Makhdoomi briefed the Governor about the activities of the CTF and various initiatives taken by them for the welfare of the differently abled children.
Zulfkar Ahmad, Managing Trustee, Bunyaad Foundation, New Delhi briefed the Governor about various initiatives of the Foundation for imparting skills and education to the rural and urban youth from disadvantaged sections of the society.
The Governor appreciated the role being played by the Foundation in capacity building of the youth and urged Mr. Ahmad to continue his sustained endeavours to achieve the noble goals of the Foundation.
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