J&K Forest Department today commemorated its Foundation Day at Forest Headquarter, Sheikh Bagh here to mark the completion of 131 years of dedicated service.About 100 officers and officials of different ranks including HODs and retired Forest Officers attended the event both online and offline mode.
The programme included release of forest newsletter revived under the title “VAN POSH” compiled by the Publicity Wing of Forest Department.Speaking on the occasion Commissioner Secretary Forest, Ecology & Environment, Sanjeev Verma wherein he acknowledged the landmark achievement of plantation of 1.37 crore saplings during last financial year.
He opined that forest will be the key sector in reconnecting the people by providing livelihood through sustainable utilization of forest produce and forest recreation etc.Commissioner Secretary also stressed on production of quality planting material in nurseries, restoration of waterbodies and making the forests polythene & plastic free.
He spoke in detail about the future management of forests and called for a perspective plan for the next 25 years to secure Jammu and Kashmir from vagaries of climate change.The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (HOFF), Dr. Mohit Gera in his opening remarks gave a detailed briefing on the new initiatives of the Department in providing ecological security to Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
He congratulated all the forest fraternity on completing 131 years of dedicated service of J&K Forest Department and talked about sustainable management of forests, meeting the bonafide needs of forest dependent communities including tribals, sustainable utilization of forest produces for creating livelihood opportunities and climate change mitigation and Bio-diversity conservation.
He also thanked the UT Administration for supporting the Department and appreciated the dedication and commitment of the forest officials.Chief Guest on the occasion GH Kango (Rtd PCCF), AK Srivastava (former PCCF) and Upinder Pachnanada (Rtd CCF) also spoke on the occasion and appreciated the role of foresters in protection and conservation of forest wealth.