Grazing selection committee allots areas to nomads

Kathua Dec 14:- District Grazing Selection Committee of Forest Department Friday constituted sub-committee for each Forest Range with the allottee of particular grazing area as member to ensure protection of the forests.
The Sub -committees headed by the concerned range officer were constituted at meeting of district Grazing Selection Committee meeting held today with Conservator of Forests, East Circle, Jammu, B. Mohandaas in the chair.
The meeting discussed and decided about the allotment of grazing area to the seasonal Gujjars, Bakerwals and Gaddies in the district for winter season 2018-19.
The meeting was attended by DFO, Rahul Singh, DFOs Basholi and Billawar, WLW, DSCO, Range Officers, Forest Frontline staff, non official members besides seasonal grazers.
While speaking on the occasion, Mohandaas said the subcommittee in each Forest Range with the allottee as member and Range Officer as chairman will ensure Forest fire prevention besides checking encroachment in the Forest areas. He directed that allottee grazers will also share responsibility for any incident of Fire/Damage/Encroachment in their Grazing Allotment area and will assist in containing Forest fire, damage and attempt to encroach upon Forest land. He further instructed that rotational grazing should be continued to prevent the areas from further degradation.
The DFO apprised the meeting that sustained efforts are being made to give fair and proportional allocation to the marginal and poor grazers. He appealed the grazers to support the department in controlling forest fires in coming season. He stressed upon prohibition of construction of Pacca Deras/structures within allotted area in the Forest land.
The non-official members appreciated the Forest Authorities for promptly addressing the issues of seasonal grazers.
The non-officials members and the nomads who participated in the meeting highlighted the issues of grazers and pledged to support the department in sustainable management of Forests.