Union MoS Ashwani Kumar Choubey Reviews J&K Forest Department’s Progress During Jammu Visi

BuzzBytes Jammu, February 12: Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Ashwani Kumar Choubey, visited Jammu and conducted a comprehensive review of the Jammu & Kashmir Forest Department’s functioning in a high-level meeting.In the meeting attended by Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (HoFF) Roshan Jaggi and other senior officers, Minister Choubey emphasized the promotion of Nagar Vans (Urban Forests) in Jammu and Kashmir. The concept aims to enhance tree cover outside forests, extending biodiversity and ecological benefits to urban and pre-urban areas. He praised the involvement of various stakeholders, including PRI representatives, local communities, NGOs, school children, NCC and NSS cadets, Paryavaran/Van Mitras, eco guides, paramilitary forces, and others in afforestation and related activities.Principal Chief Conservator of Forests briefed the Union MoS on issues related to centrally supported schemes, including the Nagar van scheme, Green India Mission, and Forest Fire Protection and Management scheme. Progress on various targets assigned by the government under flagship programs like Green J&K Drive, Har Gaon Hariyali, Ped Lagayen Beti Ke Naam, One Village One Beat Guard Program, Van Se Jal, Jal Se Jeevan, and demarcation and strengthening of forest boundaries in J&K was also discussed.The Forest Department highlighted the operational Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSSs) in J&K, particularly the Green India Mission, which aims to protect, restore, and enhance India’s forest cover while responding to climate change. The department has planted 16.94 lakh tree saplings over 4775 hectares at a cost of Rs 29.61 crore.J&K Forest Department plans to develop at least one Nagar Van/Nagar Vatika in each Urban Local Body (ULB) under the Nagar Van Yojna J&K. Work on 37 out of 80 ULBs is currently in progress, with Rs 98.3 lakh released for combating forest fires during the current financial year.The Union MoS inspected a Nagar Van in the Roop Nagar area of Jammu City, where he planted a sapling. The Forest Department has set an ambitious target of planting 175 lakh plants during 2023-24 with active involvement from local communities and PRI representatives.