Forest Department plans Massive Plantation Events across all Gram Panchayats

JAMMU, JANUARY 18: The J&K Forest Department has chalked out an ambitious program to conduct massive plantation drives involving PRI representatives, local people, NGOs, school children, NCC & NSS cadets, Paryavaran/Van Mitras, Eco guides, Paramilitary forces and other stakeholders, around all the Gram Panchayats/villages and Urban Local Bodies on the eve of Republic Day celebration-2024.

 The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (HoFF), Roshan Jaggi convened a high level meeting at Forest Headquarter, FRMC Building Jammu in which the senior officers of Forest & allied wings participated. The Conservator and DFO level officers from all districts were also present during the stock taking meeting.

It was decided that in all the 20 districts, the Forest Department shall organize programs of plantation drives, plastic free drives in forests, green marches, debates, symposiums and other awareness creation activities to mark the occasion. It was also decided that special ceremonial plantation and awareness programs shall be organized near Amrit Sarovars and other water bodies, river banks and other iconic places along with the flag hoisting at different establishments of the department. Awareness activities shall be organized involving educational institutions, Para-military forces and Government departments.

Special plant distribution drives shall be organized in the Urban Local Bodies and in Gram Panchayats under different flagship Programs like HarGaonHariyali, Ped Lagye in Beti Ke Naam, One Village One Beat Guard Program, Van Se Jal, Jal Se Jeevan etc.  The main buildings of the department shall be illuminated in the evening. It is pertinent to mention here that the department has a target of planting 175 lakh plants & adoption of low cost greening interventions upto 90 lakh during 2023-24 under “Green JK Drive”. The department has been laying emphasis on innovative schemes like Van Se Jal, Jal Se Jeevan to enhance ground water recharge for enhancing productivity.

The PCCF (HoFF) on this occasion reviewed the district-wise preparedness and issued directions for active participation of the field staff in different events shortlisted for the celebration of Republic Day, 2024