Ganderbal March 09 (PTK) A Mega Plantation Drive was held at a hillock in Manasbal in Sindh Forest Division, Ganderbal by the Forest Department in coordination with PRI and rural bodies of Block Safapora under the initiative “Green J&K Drive”. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests J&K, Dr Mohit Gera, Conservator of Forests Srinagar Circle Zubair Ahmad Shah, DFO Ganderbal ,BDC Chairperson Safapora Gowher Ahmed, Sh Nazir Be Nazir NGO member, Forest Officers, Sarpanchs, Panchs and local youth participated in the drive which saw the plantation of around 1000 plants of indigenous species of Kail, Deodar, Chinar, Prunus and other broad leaved species on the degraded hillock area in Compartment 1 Manasbal.
PCCF Dr Mohit Gera on the occasion said that the winter/ Spring plantation is being carried out in all the winter plantation zones of Jammu and Kashmir to achieve the target of planting one crore plants by ending March 2021. Besides, various stake holders institutions, schools, Government Departments and youth association are involved in the plantation drive. He also informed that the local panchayat representatives are being associated to ascertain the local requirements of area in terms of fuelwood, fodder, MFPs etc so that suitable species are planted. On being asked about the newly Implemented Forest Rights Act, 2006 in J&K, Dr Gera emphasised that the claims are being received and processed as per the provisions of the Act. BDC chairperson Safapora emphasised the role of forest department in greening the blank area of manasbal and assured that local people shall always support the department in such initiatives. (PTK)
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