Protecting forests
Recently J&K Chief Secretary held a review meeting of different wings of the forest department and laid the action plan to protect the forests from degradation.
He was informed that the Forest Department has treated 4296.70 hectares of area, installed 30.36 lakh rft fencing, planted 10.24 lakh saplings, and produced 3.28 lakh plants in nurseries. Additionally, the Department has also treated 5709.08 hectares of area by planting 35.47 plants under the Green JK Drive, 2021-22.
Department of Wildlife Protection is developing the J&K’s first full-fledged Zoo at an estimated cost of Rs. 62.41 crore at Nagrota, Jammu, besides implementing a mitigation plan for Kishtwar High Altitude National Park and undertaking population estimating exercises for Hangul, Waterbirds, and Snow Leopard.
He directed the Forest Department to enhance forest-based livelihood by generating 5 crore mandays employment in convergence with the Rural Development Department, Jal Shakti Department, Agriculture and allied departments, and Mission Youth.
He emphasized proper conservation and management of all 650 wetlands of Jammu and Kashmir and greater integration of different wings of the Department including Forest, Soil Conservation, Wildlife, Pollution Control Board (PCB), and Social Forestry.
He directed the Forest Department to activate Village Panchayat Plantation Committees in all 4290 Panchayats and promote monthly dialogues to evolve region-specific sustainable development models.
