KNB News Desk
Srinagar 28 September (KNB): Govt of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday ordered for the constitution of the Poplar Commission which would be headed by Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (HoFF) on various aspects of introduction, cultivation, utilization and regulation of poplars in J&K UT.
The order lying with Kashmir News Bureau said that sanction is hereby accorded to the constitution of Poplar Commission, comprising the following, in light of the recommendations made by the Committee constituted vide Govt. Order No. 470-JK(GAD) of 2020 dated 14.04.2020, on various aspects of introduction, cultivation, utilization and regulation of poplars in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir.
It further said that Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (HoFF) as Chairman of the Poplar Commission, it would have members which includes — Principal Chief Conservator of Forests/Director, Social Forestry Department, J&K; Chief Conservator of Forests, Jammu/Kashmir; Dean, College of Forestry, SKUAST, Kashmir/Jammu; Director, Forest Research Institute, J&K or his/her representative; Director, Himalayan Forest Research Institute, Shimla or his/her representative (Research Expert); Regional Director, Social Forestry Department, Kashmir; General Secretary, South Kashmir Wood Supplies Union; President, Pencil Slats / Block Manufacturing Association, Kashmir; Dr. R.C. Dhiman, Expert; Aasifah Padroo, Addl. Advocate General, 3&K High Court,Srinagar (Legal Expert); Nadeem Qadri, NGO, Environment Lawyer; Two Farmers/Nursery Growers Associated with cultivation/production of Poplar (representing South and North Kashmir to be nominated by PCCF/ Director, Social Forestry Department and Special Secretary (Technical), Forest, Ecology & Environment Department.
It further said that the Poplar Commission is formed to advise the Government on various aspects of introduction, cultivation, utilization and regulations of Poplars in Jammu and Kashmir and to formulate a policy on poplar cultivation as directed by Hon’ble High Court in response to PIL No.834/2015 c/w OWP No.2383/2018 vide Order dated 26.03.2019. (KNB)