Srinagar, January 27: On the occasion of Republic Day-2022, the Department of Forest, Social Forestry and other allied wings organized plantation drives at various locations across all the districts of Jammu and Kashmir.
The idea behind such plantation drives is to involve different stakeholders of civil society viz. common people, farmers, students, NGOs, Govt employees etc. with the engagement of members of PRIs to create awareness about the importance of increasing forest cover for environmental sustainability in J&K.
According to official release by Department of Social Forestry, which is one of the important partners in “J&K Green Drive” initiative under “Har Gaon Haryali” campaign of J&K Government, the department in collaboration with RDD organized Special Plantation Drives in Gram Panchayats/ prominent places across UT of J&K on the Republic Day-2022.
The plantation events organised at 1134 locations across 20 districts of the UT were held during the day long programme where more than 15000 plants were planted despite inclement weather conditions at many places.
The plantation drives were led by elected PRI representatives’ i.e DDC/ BDC Chairmen/ Members, Sarpanchs/ Panchs (Chairmen, VPPCs) and by other reputed social servants at some places.
The district-wise details of plantation drives held are as: (Jammu- 198), (Kathua-158), (Samba 73), (Udhampur- 72), (Reasi-47), (Ramban64), (Doda 37), (Kishtwar-21), (Rajouri-77), (Poonch-66) in Jammu Province and (Srinagar-16), (Budgam-25), (Ganderbal-35), (Anantnag-31), (Kulgam-10), (Pulwama-43), (Shopian-36), (Baramulla-35), (Bandipora-30) and (Kupwara-60) in Kashmir Province. As many as 1048 DDC/BDCs/Gram Panchayats/ Municipal Committees participated and led the plantation drives.
PCCF/Director, Social Forestry Department, J&K, Roshan Jaggi on the occasion expressed his satisfaction on the success of the programme where full support and cooperation of PRIs was received.
He appreciated the efforts of the officers/officials of the Department for holding the programmes in an effective and planned manner amid Covid-19 crises by following due CAB norms. He acknowledged the cooperation of the Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj for providing logistical support throughout the campaign.
It has been informed by the Director that such voluntary/special plantation drives and other extension activities were part of “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav” commemorations and shall continue during ensuing months especially in Kashmir Valley as soon as weather improves.
He further informed that the Department shall achieve the target for regular plantations of more than 22 lakh saplings across 20 districts of the UT during current FY. In addition, more than 3 lakh saplings shall also be planted through special voluntary plantation drives involving various stakeholders.
The Director appealed to the people to join hands with the department to achieve the goal of Green J&K, as fixed by the Government led by Lieutenant Governor.
