Chief Secretary, Iqbal Khandey chairs 87th FAC meet

Jammu, MARCH 09(KMW): The Forest Advisory Committee (FAC) headed by Chief Secretary, Iqbal Khandey in its 87th meeting on Monday, approved the Patnitop Aerial Ropeway Project falling in Udhampur forest Division. The project has already been granted clearance by the Supreme Court of India and Union Ministry of Environment.
According to a statement issued to KMW, The Ropeway from Kud Sangkote to Karla (Patnitop) involves use of 0.9 Ha forest land. However, the ropeway will be going over the forest area to safeguard trees from felling.
The FAC also approved use of forest land for the Completion of 1.65 MW Dadibal Mini-Hydel project in Anantnag forest Division, 2 MW-Bultikalan Mini-Hydel project in Sindh forest division and 1.6 MW Rayil Mini Hydel Project, with directions from the Chief Secretary to ensure strict monitoring of muck dumping sites and safeguarding aquatic life by taking steps to allow fish passage.
The FAC also gave a nod to several PMGSY road projects falling in Nowshera, Reasi, Ramban, Mahore and Batote forest divisions.
Meanwhile, Chief Secretary directed the user agency (PMGSY) to take up the necessary protection works against soil erosion by constructing breast/retaining walls on the Kunga-Bhatni-Kothi Jageer road falling in Batote forest division.