Jammu, Dec 05: A Rs 12000 crore Indo-Norwegian project is being finalised for massive afforestation envisaging rehabilitation, development and scientific management of the forests in Jammu and Kashmir. Chief minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed discussed this programme with the visiting Norwegian ambassador in India, Truls Hanevold, here, yesterday.
The project is expected to be completed in phases in 20 years.
The Norwegian ambassador evinced keen interest in the proposed forestry developmental plan and expressed the willingness of his country in extending institutional co-operation for translating the proposed framework of treatments on the ground to achieve the desired results.
The meeting also discussed the broad features of another Indo-Norwegian venture, the Sawalkote Hydel project, which is likely to cost around Rs 7600 crore. A contract has already been signed with a Norwegian consortium for the ambitious project.
Chief secretary, Dr S S Bloeria, principal secretary power, B R Kundal, principal secretary to chief minister, M I Khanday and commissioner/secretary forests, B S Jaswal were also present at the meeting.
To test the efficacy and potential of the state forest department, small demonstration projects shall be initially launched in the two agro-climatic regions of the state at Waskanag in Anantnag and Mahamaya in Jammu.
Bureau Report