Srinagar December 05 (KNS): PCCF & HoFF, J&K Dr. Mohit Gera, inspected different Forest areas of Lidder Forest Division and reviewed the ongoing Greening and development works .
He was accompanied by T. Rabi Kumar, APCCF Kashmir, Irfan Ali Shah, Conservator of Forests, Kashmir South Circle, Mehraj Ahmad Sheikh, DFO Lidder, Waseem Farooq ,DFO Awantipora and other forest officials. DDC Chairman Anantnag Mohd. Yousf Gorsi also accompanied the PCCF (HoFF).
The PCCF (HoFF) kick started plantation drive in Compartment 55 b/L Benard Lidder Forest Division which is an adapted patch as per Government of India guidelines. On the said occasion school children, members of Panchayati Raj Institutions, civil society members, NGO Representatives, members from media fraternity participated in the plantation drive. In his address PCCF informed that forests provide ecological services to humans, which has further become significant as they combat the adverse effects of the climate change through carbon sequestration and climate amelioration. He said forests are the lungs of our planet earth and its effective conservation requires a state of harmony and balance between ecology and development needs. He also visited proposed site identified for development of Nagar Van at Munjhadan Mahind falling in the vicinity of Bijbehara Municipal Committee and issued several directions for overall development of the area through implementation of Nagar Van Scheme.
He also inspected site for development of Forest Conference Hall in Forest Complex Bijbehara. He also inspected Central Nursery Bijbehara where he directed for introducing of Root trainer technology and development of mother beds. The PCCF directed for maintaining and raising of quality planting material in the nurseries. Later in evening PCCF HOFF inspected proposed site for development of Biodiversity Park in Pampore Range of Awantipora Forest Division where he gave directions for submission of DPR.
He informed projects like these help to develop a connect with the local people, aid in biodiversity conservation and also has recreational and educational benefits. Further he said " Development of Biodiversity Park in Pampore is a part of Ecotourism development plan for South Circle and will attract large no of tourists and visitors and will help in supporting local livelihoods as well "(KNS)