Forest Clearance Bonanza: Over 300 Projects Approved in J&K

Jammu & Kashmir has secured forest clearance for over 300 development projects, clearing the way for significant infrastructure advancements. These approvals follow a high-level meeting in January 2025 between Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav and J&K Minister Javed Ahmed Rana in New Delhi.

According to officials, "A total of 302 cases have been given final approval, while 84 cases have received in-principle approval from the government between January and March this year. This underscores the government's broader vision of development, prioritizing projects that address long-standing infrastructural gaps and enhance public services."

Key infrastructure projects, particularly in road development, have been approved. These include the remaining section of Package-17 of the Delhi-Katra Expressway in Jammu, the Kishtwar-Nildori-Bangus-Gali-Lokut-Bangus Dangiyari Road in Kupwara district by the BRO, and the Jallary to Badharket Khaitan Road in Poonch by PWD. These projects will enhance road connectivity across the region, especially in remote areas.

In line with the Jal Jeevan Mission, 271 water supply schemes have been approved across seven districts, including Baramulla, Budgam, Doda, Jammu, Kishtwar, Ramban, and Udhampur. Additionally, the 4G saturation initiative has received approval, with 11 new communication towers and four optical fibre cable (OFC) laying proposals approved across eight districts under the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF).

Minister Javed Ahmed Rana has called for the expedited clearance of another 400 pending cases under the Forest (Conservation) Act.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.