Sanjeev Verma reviews functioning of Forest Department

JAMMU, MARCH 23: Commissioner Secretary, Forests, Ecology and Environment, Sanjeev Verma today chaired a meeting to review the functioning of Department at Van Bhawan here.

The meeting was attended by PCCF, J&K, Dr. Mohit Gera and other senior officers of the Forest department.

Speaking during the meeting, Sanjeev Verma laid stress on conservation of germ- plasm of wild and native flora and directed the officers to raise planting stocks of various native and rare species which are important for ecology and wildlife of our region.

He impressed upon the officers to use Drones and install watch towers for proper monitoring of vulnerable forest areas prone to encroachment and other damages. He also stressed on development of City Forests for beautification of Urban areas including towns and cities.

The Commissioner Secretary directed for identification of vulnerable Forest areas alongside National Highway prone to landslides and mudslides besides slope stabilization measures along the highway with coir/jute mats and vegetation. He asked the officers to undertake frequent field tours of Forest areas which are prone to damages and encroachments.

Verma appreciated the initiatives taken by the Forest Department like use of technology like GPS, Remote Sensing and GIS, Low Cost Greening interventions and capacity building of stakeholders for implementation of Forest Rights Act. The achievements made under Green J&K Drive were also appreciated by the Commissioner Secretary.

During the meeting, PCCF gave an overview of organizational structure of the Department in J&K. He apprised the Commissioner Secretary about the role and functioning of Forest Department including Forest Protection, Conservation, Afforestation and Biodiversity Conservation. He also spoke on the progress made under “Green J&K Drive” under which one crore saplings are being planted in all Forest Divisions across Jammu and Kashmir in degraded forest areas, open forests and other areas such as avenues, educational and office complexes, farm lands and village community lands.

He also informed the meeting about the progress being made in the implementation of CAMPA works, Forest Rights Act (FRA) 2006 and highlighted the role of Forest Department in training and capacity building of various stake holders.

PCCF also spoke on progress achieved in making People Biodiversity Registers (PBRs) and updation being done by the Biodiversity Council. The digital services provided by the Forest Department were also highlighted by the PCCF during the meeting.