Encouraging general public towards ongoing plantation drive in the State during ongoing rainy season, Minister for Forests, Ecology and Environment, Ch. Lal Singh conducted an extensive tour of the district and planted saplings at various locations along Domail-Katra-Reasi route here today.In a day long plantation drive, the Minister planted several plants at main locations to send message to the general public for planting trees in their areas and dwelling zones so that green and clean environment is developed all around. After plantation drive, the Minister spoke to the people and staff of forest department, pollution control and district administration in a function at Sulla Park. He said no stone shall be left unturned in the state to preserve and restore the forest areas by making this plantation drive a mass movement.
Lal Singh said this year we have the target of 50-60 lakh saplings to be planted in the state. He said the department would work extensively to achieve the target of plantation with focus on fruit and medicinal plants.While highlighting the importance of forests for human survival, the Minister said we all have to voluntarily come forward to become part of plantation drive to secure the future of coming generations.The Minister also stressed upon the staff of forest department to be well acquainted with the technical expertise while planting trees, fixing poles and laying closure wire so that they are not easily affected by the human and animal activities. He also said that the growing of forests would also help in preventing the wild animals’ drift towards residential areas and to control man-animal conflict.
The Minister also said that we all have to work collectively to save the green cover by sustainable expansion and management of the forests all over the state.For overall development and expansion of Sulla Park, the Minister said adequate support from the forest department would be provided to make this place an attractive halting station on Reasi-Katra route. He instructed the administration to take necessary steps to develop this park.The Minister was accompanied by Minister of State for Finance and Planning Ajay Nanda, District Development Commissioner Ravinder Kumar, Principal CCF J&K Ravi Kesar, Chairman PCB, B. Sidharath Kumar, MD SFC S.K. Gupta, CCF Jammu Farooq Geelani, Director Soil Conservation Javid Panjoo, Director SFRI, B.M. Sharma, Director FPF, A.M. Sagar, CCF Social Forestry A.K. Gupta and other senior officers of various departments.