SFC must ensure hassle-free timber distribution: Lal Singh

Reviews Corporation’s functioning

SRINAGAR, JULY 18: Minister for Forest, Ecology and Environment, Choudhary Lal Singh today said that several innovative measures taken to revitalize State Forest Corporation (SFC) has begun to show positive results.

Chairing a review meeting of SFC here, Singh vehemently called for strengthening the Corporation that would ensure sustainable development of huge natural resources for the State. The Minister said that the development of forests needs holistic approach from the concerned department and the government is working overtime in this regard. He asked officials to prepare a vision plan to bring more vibrancy into the department.

“We are witnessing positive results as far as the measures taken for the department are concerned,” Singh told officials during the meeting.

“People shouldn’t suffer for the want of timber supply. Our officials have brought vibrancy and accuracy in the delivery system,” he said.

The Minister sought various suggestions and feedback from the officers, divisional managers among other officers to bring positive changes into the functioning of the Corporation. He said he would monitor the functioning of the Corporation on regular basis till it reaches the surplus profit status.

Managing Director, SFC, Suresh Gupta gave a detailed presentation of the working of the Corporation, saying that with several measures from the government, the Corporation is heading toward its better future.

The Minister said that strengthening of SFC would revamp the forest department of the State. “We should make sure that SFC gets its life back,” Singh told officials during two-hour long meeting.  He said that innovative methods should be adopted for the hassle free distribution of timber to people. He said that cooperation between various wings of the forest department is vital for better results. The Minister said that revamping the Corporation was his highest priority as the same would not only improve the overall functioning of the forest department but it would also generate huge profit too.

He said that modern nurseries should be developed on priority and plant material be made available in both private and government sector. 

The Minister directed the concerned officers of forest department to take requisite steps for streamlining the system to ensure hassle free distribution of timber to the consumers.

The Minister asked the officers to be proactive and intensify field visits and closely monitor the activities launched by the department to achieve tangible results on ground.

The two hour long mammoth meeting was attended by Managing Director, State Forest Corporation, Suresh Gupta, GMs, DMs, among other officials of the department.