In his endeavour to plant trees at far flung areas Minister for Forest, Ecology and Environment Ch. Lal Singh today visited Billawar forest division and participated in plantation drive being held under 67th Van Mahotsav at different compartments of Basholi forest range.PCCF J&K Govt A K Singh, CCF Jammu Roshan Jaggi, Director FPF S K Gupta , Director Social Forestry S K Chugh, Director Ecology , Environment & Remote sensing O P Vidyarathi, Conservator East circle Jammu Naveen Shah, Chairman PCB Ravi Kesar, ADC Kathua Dr. Bharat Bhushan, RD PCB Jammu Showkat Choudhary, ACD Kathua Sunil Sharma, SDM Basholi Dhirendar Sharma, DFOs , XENs and officers of sister wings were present during the function.Later the minister held a public meeting at village Chakka Panchayat Plakh Basholi to take firsthand account of various problems being faced by the people.The deputations from nearby villages highlighted their demands and sought the intervention of the Minister for their early redressal.Responding to the demands Ch. Lal Singh said that communal harmony in society is prerequisite for development and sought people’s cooperation in carrying forward the development agenda of the government.The Minister said that he will leave no stone unturned to make Basholi a model constituency.“With the active co-operation of the people, Basholi will soon become a major tourist destination” he asserted.
The Minister while addressing the gathering said that work on Rs 220 crore worth PMGSY roads will soon start in Basholi which will further improve the connectivity to the far flung areas. He also informed that 50 small bridges will be constructed in hilly and tough terrain where people have to walk long distances on foot.The Minister further said that 100 Anganwari centres and a colony for under privileged section of the society will be constructed in Basholi with all the basic facilities. Ch. Lal Singh also stated that efforts are being made to develop Panagar as a tourist destination. He said that place with vast meadows would be projected as a major tourist destination. He said tourist huts and children park would be developed in the area to attract the tourists. He also added that 4 steamers will soon be pressed into service at Ranjit Sagar Dam which will become a major attraction for water sports in this region and help in increasing the tourist foot fall.Earlier, in the day the Minister planted trees along the ‘Atal Setu’ road. The forest department has started massive plantation to add extra dimension to the attraction of this state of the art bridge. Massive plantation drive was held at Panagar forest of Basholi Range falling under Billawar forest division where in the minister planted saplings of all kind of plants which include ornamental, fruits and flowering plants.