Chief Secretary, B B Vyas Sunday chaired the 14thSteering Committee meeting of the State Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA). The Steering Committee approved a target of 4212 Ha (area) to be treated for Compensatory Afforestation during 2017-18.For the purpose, the Committee approved the proposed outlay of Rs 106 Crore against specific deliverables along with timelines so that funds are spent well in time and in an effective manner.The Committee reviewed the physical and financial achievements of last 7 years under CAMPA, starting from the year 2010-11.It was informed that over 36,037 Ha have been brought under Compensatory Afforestation against a target of 24732 Ha in the last 7 years. During the same period as many as 436 Lakh plants have been raised in 144 Nurseries of the State besides taking up fencing, boundary demarcation, soil conservation and pasture development works under CAMPA.During 2017-18, as many as 55 Lakh plants are proposed for production in CAMPA Nurseries.
The Steering Committee also discussed and gave approval to the Rs 71 Cr Annual Plan of Operations (APOs) for Wildlife Conservation and Protection for the year 2017-18.The Committee also reviewed the physical and financial progress achieved till date in respect of Wildlife Conservation and Protection in various regions of J&K.Chief Secretary stressed on realizing the Afforestation and Wild Life Protection targets set out for the year 2017-18. He said that afforestation should be area based with focus on integration of local communities and students of schools and colleges in the process.Chief Secretary desired that a comprehensive analysis of the survival rate of plantations, made over the last 7 years, be prepared and shared with the Committee so as to evaluate the impact of the afforestation effort.Chief Secretary emphasised upon the formulation of the plans in alignment with the CAMPA guidelines and ensuring no deviation in this regard. He also urged the Forest Department to ensure plantations/afforestation on equity basis in the affected areas across the state. He also asked the department to provide necessary support/assistance to the Tourism department for promotion of Eco-Tourism.To take stock of tree cover along the National Highway, around Railway tracks and the roads taken up under the PMGSY and suggest measures for afforestation, Chief Secretary directed the Forest department to set up a Task Force.