Jammu, Feb 07: The Government today informed the Legislative Assembly that No Objection Certificates (NOCs) are issued strictly in accordance with the prescribed norms and statutory provisions, following detailed scrutiny and on-ground field verification.
This was stated by the Minister for Forest, Ecology & Environment, Javed Ahmed Rana, while replying to a question raised by MLA Altaf Ahmad Wani during the Question Hour.
The Minister informed the House that between January 2024 and December 2025, the office of the Wildlife Warden, South Division, Anantnag, received a total of 349 applications seeking issuance of NOCs for the construction of residential houses by bona fide local residents.
These applications were forwarded through the Pahalgam Development Authority, Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Pahalgam and Block Development Officer, Pahalgam.
Following comprehensive scrutiny and field verification, recommendations for issuance of NOCs were made in respect of 346 applications. However, two applications were rejected due to the non-submission of requisite documents.
In another instance, an already issued report was subsequently withdrawn after it was established that the proposed construction site fell within the Overa-Aru Wildlife Sanctuary, an area governed by the provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
Reaffirming Omar Abdullah Government’s stance, the Minister emphasized that a balanced approach is being maintained to accommodate genuine development requirements while safeguarding wildlife and fragile ecosystems, ensuring unwavering compliance with environmental laws and conservation regulations.
Responding to a supplementary query regarding empanelled employees, the Minister stated that the Wildlife Department has 517 empanelled employees and workers deployed across various divisions of Jammu and Kashmir. These personnel are actively engaged in wildlife protection, conservation, and management activities.
He further assured the House that salaries and wages of all empanelled employees are being disbursed regularly, with no arrears pending.
On the issue of funding, the Government informed that for the financial year 2025–26, the Wildlife Department has been allocated ₹8575.71 lakh under CAPEX, Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS), and CAMPA.
Of this amount, ₹6291.08 lakh has been released so far, while ₹1391.23 lakh has already been utilized towards various developmental, conservation, and operational activities of the department.
The Government reiterated its commitment to strengthening wildlife conservation efforts while ensuring transparency, accountability, and sustainable development across Jammu & Kashmir.
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