DODA: Deputy Commissioner Harvinder Singh today chaired a meeting in his office chambers to review environment protection initiatives, including water conservation, waste management and plantation.
The meeting was attended by Additional District Development Commissioner Doda, Superintending Engineer Hydraulics, DFOs (virtually), Executive Engineers of Jal Shakti and I&FC Divisions, Divisional Officer PCC, ACR and other concerned officers.
The meeting took a detailed review of action taken pursuant to the decisions of the Government and the Supreme Court regarding forest demarcation, boundary fixation, encroachment removal and ecological protection.
Discussions also covered the monitoring of non-biodegradable waste management as per the Jammu and Kashmir Non-Biodegradable Material (Management, Handling and Disposal) Act, 2007 and progress on the fencing of forest and wildlife-protected areas.
Other important points included the status of enforcement of Air and Water Acts, bio-medical waste management in health institutions, implementation of the Green India Mission and Nagar Van Scheme and identification of forest land as per Supreme Court directives.
During the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner emphasized strict enforcement of environmental laws, with special focus on eliminating single-use plastics and strengthening waste management mechanisms in both urban and rural areas. He directed the Pollution Control Committee and the Forest Department to intensify field inspections and awareness campaigns to ensure full compliance with environmental regulations. The DC instructed all departments to submit weekly progress reports on action taken, ensuring transparency and accountability.
The DC Doda directed the ACR to ensure proper verification and documentation of Gair Mumkin Jhaad in forest areas and to take necessary action to protect state land. He stressed on the conservation of specified tree species on state land and directed for enforcement of orders within the stipulated timeline. The DC also instructed the concerned officers to verify the functioning of stone crushers and to take appropriate measures to ensure compliance with environmental norms.
During the meeting, the issue of biomedical waste generated by the health sector was also discussed in detail. The DC directed the Health Department to furnish a detailed report on the quantity of biomedical waste generated and its disposal as per established guidelines. He also emphasized the need for strengthening the waste segregation system at the source level.
Reviewing the Catch the Rain Initiative, the Superintending Engineer Jal Shakti presented an overview of ongoing and completed works. The DC directed the concerned officers to expedite water conservation activities, desilting of ponds and afforestation efforts. He further instructed for geo-tagging of all water bodies and springs across the district by November 15, ensuring accuracy through digital mapping.
The DC also emphasized the construction of check dams in areas having water springs to prevent wastage of water. He directed the departments to focus on rejuvenation of dried and low-yielding sources.
Highlighting the ecological importance of the Chenab Valley, the DC called for community participation in sustainable development and environmental conservation. He urged all departments to coordinate effectively under a joint action plan to achieve the vision of a clean, green and ecologically resilient Doda.