Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Ashwani Kumar Choubey, during his two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir, conducted a thorough review of the J&K Forest Department's functioning.
The review meeting, which saw the attendance of Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (HoFF) Roshan Jaggi and other high-ranking officials, focused on the extensive afforestation efforts and the implementation of central schemes in the region.
Choubey, advocating for the expansion of green cover, emphasized the importance of promoting the concept of 'Nagar Vans' (Urban Forests) in Jammu and Kashmir. This initiative aims to increase tree cover outside traditional forest areas, extending biodiversity and ecological benefits to urban and surrounding areas.
He praised the collaborative afforestation efforts involving Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), local communities, NGOs, school students, NCC and NSS cadets, eco guides, and other stakeholders, which underscore the inclusive approach towards environmental conservation.
The meeting addressed various issues related to projects supported by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), including the disbursement of funds under the Nagar Van scheme, Green India Mission, and Forest Fire Protection and Management scheme.
The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests highlighted the progress made towards achieving government-set targets under flagship programs such as the Green J&K Drive, Har Gaon Hariyali, Ped Lagayen Beti Ke Naam, and the One Village One Beat Guard Program.
Significant achievements include the plantation of 16.94 lakh tree saplings over 4775 hectares at a cost of Rs 29.61 crore. Additionally, the J&K Forest Department aims to develop at least one Nagar Van or Nagar Vatika in each Urban Local Body (ULB) under the Nagar Van Yojna J&K, with 43 out of 80 ULBs already covered under the scheme.
The Union Minister also visited a Nagar Van in the Roop Nagar area of Jammu City, where he participated in a tree plantation drive. This visit highlighted the Forest Department's ambitious target to plant 175 lakh plants during the 2023-24 fiscal year on both forest and non-forest land, with an emphasis on community involvement and PRI engagement, setting a new precedent for forest conservation and environmental stewardship in Jammu and Kashmir.