Revitalization of forests
In order to enhance the green cover in Jammu and Kashmir, the government is trying to revitalize degraded forest areas.
Recently the Chief Secretary led Steering Committee approved additional APO for forest land demarcation & planting of 1.75 Cr saplings.
He impressed upon the officers to focus on revitalization of the degraded forest areas and ensure that the dense and moderate forest cover of the UT increases with time. He maintained that the peculiarity of this region is its unique ecology and environment, which distinguishes it from other States/UTs. He made out that the Department has the responsibility to maintain it sustainably.
He impressed upon the officers of the Department to complete the process of demarcation and geo-referencing of all the forest areas forthwith before the onset of winters. He called for setting up of new benchmarks in management of National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Wetlands and notified areas. He asked for complete digitization of official records and fixing of their boundaries to evade any chances of trespassing.
He called for making all the forest areas plastic-free. He observed that forests are the best places to de-stress the minds and the department should encourage people to visit these natural habitats and promote eco-tourism. He advised installation of proper signages and other bill boards containing information in a manner so that people are informed about the utility and significance of such treasure troves.
