WB funded project was completed in two phases between 1990-2005
Ibni Maqbool
Srinagar: The administration of Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory has re-constituted a high-power committee to work out the modalities for transfer of movable/immovable infrastructure of the erstwhile Integrated Watershed Development Project (IWDP) funded by the World Bank.
The eight-member panel headed by Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF), J&K/Head of Forest Forces (HOFF) has been tasked to work out the modalities for transfer of movable/immovable infrastructure of erstwhile IWDP.
It has also been mandated to fix seniority of the IWDP-borne staff deployed in various wings of the Forest, Ecology and Environment department.
After the project was completed, nearly 400 employees working in it were adjusted in different departments but they are facing stagnation due to non-fixation of their seniority.
Documents in possession of The Precious Kashmir reveal that the panel was constituted on December 3, 2018 for proper utilization of assets of IWDP.
However, the committee became obsolete as most of the members were transferred or retired, prompting the government to reconstitute it.
The IWDP project, funded by the World Bank , was implemented in Jammu and Kashmir along with four other Himalayan states between 1990 and 2005.
Its first phase was launched in Devak and Ramkote region of Jammu and Doodhganga region of Kashmir province. It was conceived in 1990 for a period of seven years with June 30, 1997 being the closing date but on conclusion of designated period, the project was accorded extension for two years.
After successful completion of the first phase, the second phase of the project was launched in Kalidar(Akhnoor), Ramnagar, Rambiara and Rajwar areas of Jammu and Kashmir.
It was primarily different from the first phase in terms of having large geographical coverage and a more participatory and integrated approach.
The development objectives of the IWDP phase second were to restore the productive potential of the J&K by ensuring cost effective treatment technologies and community participatory approaches.