PCCF visits South Kashmir, inspects demarcation, development works

Srinagar October 06 (KNS): The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, J&K and Head of the Forest Force, Dr Mohit Gera inspected the forest areas of South Kashmir and reviewed progress of ongoing development works being carried out in the area during the current financial year.

In Anantnag Forest Division, Dr. Mohit Gera addressed Forest officers and Nursery managers of South Forest Circle during One Day Training Workshop on “Production of Quality Planting Material” at Nagdandi Forest Nursery in Kuthar Forest Range. He took a hands-on session through powerpoint presentation on Nursery management and explained in detail improved nursery practices to the forest officials and impressed upon them to adapt improved tools and nursery technologies for quality nursery stock production. He also inspected Nagdandi Nursery and directed for  improving certain nursery equipments and structures for production of quality planting stock.

Dr. Gera  also inspected  Compartment No 16 a/L Gogaldar, Mattan Range of Lidder Forest Division,  which has been  adopted by the PCCF as per directions of MoEFCC, Government of India for its development and management under Forest Patch Adaption policy for Forest officers. The PCCF took review of ground preparations being made on  the site and directed for execution of afforestation works as per the approved works programme which is in line with the working  plan prescriptions. On the occasion he kick started the plantation program in this upcoming plantation unit by planting of Blue Pine sapling. He also directed for development of new 12 km long trekking route in this area connecting this forest with Pahalgam.

Later during the day, the PCCF inspected Environmental Awareness Centre, Zawoora in Shopian Forest Division where he addressed members of  Forest Rights Committee, Village Forest Committees and other locals. In his address, the PCCF informed that J&K Forest department is committed for upliftment of Tribal and other  forest fringe communities through various initiatives of the Government in the UT of J&K. On this occasion, the PCCF distributed livelihood kits/items amongst Self Help Groups under Centrally Sponsored Green India Mission.  He also inspected pioneer plantation unit established under CAMPA scheme during the year 2010-2011 in Shopian Forest Division. He directed for preparing a subsequent plan for this established CAMPA unit and for distribution of benefits to local communities. It was informed that this successful Plantation Unit is providing both tangible  and intangible services and products including fodder, fuel leaves, groundwater recharge, carbon sequestration, preventing soil erosion and Bio- aesthetic environment. He appreciated the efforts of staff and asked for documentation of the benefits provided by the unit.

The PCCF also interacted at length with the Forest frontline staff on various Deliverables, schemes and Government programs in forestry sector including Green J&K Drive, One Beat Guard One village Program, Forests for Recreation, fodder, livelihood etc and directed the forest officials for work with full dedication and commitment for conservation and protection of Forests, wildlife and biodiversity through the people-centric approach of the department. 

Late in the evening, Dr. Gera inspected demarcation works carried out under CAMPA scheme during the year 2021-22 in Yarwan Forests of Shopian Forest Division. He directed for acceleration of Installing of Boundary pillars for securing the forest land in time bound manner. He informed about the plan of the department to secure all forest lands of Kashmir by installation of Boundary pillars by 2024-25.

The PCCF was accompanied by Irfan Ali Shah, Conservator of Forests, South Forest Circle, Syed Wasim Gull, DFO Kulgam Division, Mohd. Ramzan Mir, DFO Anantnag, Mohammad Ayoub Sheikh, DFO Shopian, Syed Jawadul Hassan, DFO Demarcation Kashmir Region, Deputy Director of Forest Protection Force of  Lidder,  Anantnag, Shopian Gamma units, and all Territorial Range Officers and frontline forest staff.(KNS)

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