JAMMU: Minister for Forests, Ecology, & Environment, Javed Ahmed Rana, emphasized the critical need for collective efforts to conserve Jammu and Kashmir’s vast forest cover.
He was speaking on the occasion of International Day of Forests organised by the Jammu and Kashmir Forest Department at the Convention Centre, Jammu.
The Minister highlighted the vital role forests play in regulating the climate, providing clean air and water, supporting biodiversity and maintaining ecological balance, which ultimately ensures the well-being of both local communities and the environment.
He said that this year’s theme for the day is “Forests and Food” which reminds us of the saying of famous saint Sheikh Noor-ud-din Noorani, popularly known as Nund Rishi: “Ann Poshi Teli Yeli Van Poshi” which means Food will thrive only when Forests thrive. “So, protection and conservation of forest resources is inevitable for our food security,” maintained the Minister.
Addressing the participants, the Minister asked them to think innovatively for protection and conservation of our forest resources ensuring the involvement of local communities and improving their livelihood.
Talking about the flora of Jammu & Kashmir, he said that it is home to an awe-inspiring range of eco-systems ranging from lush sub-tropical forests to pristine alpine meadows. Recognizing this, the Jammu & Kashmir Forest Department has proved to be steadfast in its commitment towards afforestation, reforestation and eco-system restoration that not only enhance tree cover but also promote biodiversity, strengthen local food chain systems and ensure long-term sustainability of the forests, he added.
Rana said that the forest department Is working tirelessly to reverse forest degradation, integrate agro-forestry practices and align conservation with community well-being. He praised the J&K Forest Department’s tireless efforts to bolster forest conservation, promote sustainable livelihoods and support forest-dependent communities.
He also highlighted various livelihood generation initiatives undertaken by the forest department by promoting fodder development in plantation units, promoting eco-tourism through trek routes and eco-parks/nagar vans, liberalization of NTFP collection and sale, the constitution of Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) at Panchayat level, etc.
He further emphasized the need to plant more trees wherever and whenever opportunities come and advocated for people to be stewards of their forests.
Rana said that he is delighted to know that Jammu & Kashmir is going to achieve a plantation target of 1.5 crore under the campaign “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” during the current year.
On the occasion, Rana presented certificates and awards to successful Forester and Forest Guard Trainees of Soil Conservation Training School Miran Sahib and Forest Guard Training School, Doomi, Akhnoor. He also informed that the department is in the process of upgrading training infrastructure in the training institutes besides increasing the capacity of training institutes.
He also called for focused attention towards water stress areas like kandi belts by undertaking concerted soil and water conservation activities.
The Minister said that we have to come up to the expectations of the people and ensure the redressal of their grievances. He called upon all stakeholders to join hands with the government in its efforts for the protection and conservation of forests for posterity.
Commissioner Secretary, Forest, Ecology & Environment, Sheetal Nanda, PCCF & HoFF, Suresh Kumar Gupta and CCF Jammu, M.K. Kumar also spoke on the occasion.
