Union Minister Ashwini Kumar Choubey reviews J&K forest department’s afforestation initiatives

Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change and Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Ashwini Kumar Choubey, conducted a comprehensive review of the Jammu and Kashmir Forest Department’s efforts during a high-level meeting held today. The meeting, attended by Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (HoFF), Roshan Jaggi, and other senior officials, focused on accelerating afforestation initiatives and promoting biodiversity conservation across the Union Territory.

During the deliberations, Minister Choubey underscored the importance of promoting the concept of ‘Nagar Vans’ in Jammu and Kashmir. This initiative aims to enhance tree cover outside forests, extending biodiversity and ecological benefits to urban and pre-urban areas. He commended the active participation of various stakeholders, including PRI representatives, local communities, NGOs, school children, and paramilitary forces, in afforestation activities.

Key issues pertaining to projects supported by the Central Ministry (MoEFCC) were highlighted during the meeting, including the release of funds under the Nagar van scheme, Green India Mission, and Forest Fire Protection and Management scheme. The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests provided updates on the progress made under flagship programs such as the Green J&K Drive, Har Gaon Hariyali, and Van Se Jal, Jal Se Jeevan.

Highlighting the significant strides made under Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSSs), it was revealed that 16.94 lakh tree saplings, amounting to Rs 29.61 crore, have been planted across 4775 hectares of identified landscape. The J&K Forest Department aims to establish at least one Nagar Van or Nagar Vatika in each Urban Local Body (ULB), with work already underway in 43 ULBs.
During the current fiscal year, Rs 98.3 lakh has been allocated for combating forest fires under the ‘Forest Fire Prevention and Management’ scheme.

Minister Choubey, following the meeting, visited one of the Nagar Vans in Roop Nagar area of Jammu City and actively participated in planting a sapling, underscoring his commitment to environmental conservation efforts.

The Forest Department has been tasked with planting 175 lakh plants during 2023-24, marking a significant stride towards bolstering green cover with active involvement from local communities and PRI representatives. The ongoing efforts reflect a concerted endeavor towards sustainable environmental stewardship and biodiversity preservation in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.