Pulwama, Aug 25(KNS): Jammu and Kashmir Minister Javed Ahmed Rana on Tuesday announced Rs 2.75 crore for the revamping of 14 water filtration plants in the Rajpora constituency and said Sangerwani would be developed as a model tribal tourism village.
Rana, who holds the portfolios of Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology and Environment and Tribal Affairs, made the announcements while addressing a tribal convention on the implementation of the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006, at Sangerwani in Pulwama district.
He said effective implementation of the FRA was essential for recognising the legitimate rights of forest-dwelling tribal communities and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities.
The convention focused on awareness about the provisions of the Act, the process for filing and verification of claims and the role of Gram Sabhas and other stakeholders in ensuring eligible communities receive their rights.
During the interaction, residents raised issues related to drinking water, healthcare, education and road connectivity.
Responding to water-related concerns, Rana directed officials to undertake the revamping and improvement of 14 filtration plants in Rajpora constituency and announced Rs 2.75 crore for the work.
He also directed the Soil Conservation Department to prepare a detailed project report worth around Rs 1 crore for soil conservation and related development works in Sangerwani.
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Rana said Sangerwani would be developed as a Forest Village under the provisions of the FRA and efforts would be made to place the area on the tourism map as a model tribal tourism village.
He said the proposed development would focus on the area's natural landscape, tribal heritage, culture and traditional way of life.
Emphasising the importance of awareness, Rana said every eligible tribal family should be informed about its rights and provided necessary support to exercise them.
He called for regular awareness programmes and community-level consultations, besides convergence of forest rights with government schemes related to livelihoods, infrastructure, skill development and basic services.
MLA Rajpora Ghulam Mohi-ud-din Mir, MLA Pampore Hasnain Masoodi, former legislator Mohammad Khalil Bandh and senior district administration officials were present at the convention.
The minister assured the participants that the genuine issues raised during the interaction would be examined and addressed through the appropriate mechanisms.(KNS).