ANANTNAG: The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF), J&K, and Head of the Forest Force, Dr Mohit Gera, today inspected the forest areas of South Kashmir and reviewed the progress of 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 a 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 a PowerPoint presentation on Nursery management. He also inspected Nagdandi Nursery and directed for improvement of certain nursery equipment and structures for the 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 the Forest Patch Adaption policy for Forest officers. The PCCF took a review of ground preparations being made on the site and directed the execution of afforestation works as per the approved works programme.
On the occasion, he kick-started the plantation program in this upcoming plantation unit by planting Blue Pine saplings. He also directed for development of a new 12 km long trekking route in this area connecting this forest with Pahalgam.
Later, during the day, the PCCF inspected the Environmental Awareness Centre, Zawoora in the Shopian Forest Division where he addressed members of the Forest Rights Committee, Village Forest Committees, and other locals.
In his address, the PCCF informed that the J&K Forest department is committed to the 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 the Centrally Sponsored Green India Mission.
He also inspected pioneer plantation units established under the CAMPA scheme during the year 2010-2011 in Shopian Forest Division. He directed for preparation of a subsequent plan for this established CAMPA unit and for the distribution of benefits to local communities.
The PCCF also interacted at length with the Forest frontline staff on various Deliverables, schemes, and Government programs in the 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.
Later, Dr. Gera inspected demarcation works carried out under the CAMPA scheme during the year 2021-22 in Yarwan Forests of Shopian Forest Division. He directed the acceleration of installing Boundary pillars for securing the forest land in a time-bound manner. He informed about the plan of the department to secure all forest lands of Kashmir by the installation of Boundary pillars by 2024-25.
The PCCF was accompanied by Irfan Ali Shah, Conservator of Forests, South Forest Circle, DFO Kulgam Division, DFO Anantnag, DFO Shopian, 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.
