SRINAGAR: Principal Chief Conservator of Forests & Head of Forest Force (PCCF & HoFF), Sarvesh Rai, convened a review meeting to assess the functioning of the Forest Department dueing a meeting held at the Forest Complex, Sheikh Bagh, Srinagar.
The meeting was attended by all the Conservators of Forests and Divisional Forest Officers of the Kashmir Region.
During the meeting, the PCCF emphasized the importance of strengthening field-level implementation of departmental programmes, enhancing afforestation efforts, and ensuring effective protection and conservation of forest resources across the Kashmir region. He stressed the need for coordinated efforts among field functionaries to achieve the targets under various forestry schemes and initiatives, which includes plantation of 30 lakh conifer and broadleaved saplings by end of March, during the current year.
During the meeting the Chief Conservator of Forests, Kashmir, Irfan Rasool Wani highlighted the departmental activities and achievements in Kashmir Region.
The PCCF issued necessary directions to the field officers to ensure timely and effective implementation of these programmes. He also reviewed Forest Fire Preparedness of Divisions and directed field officers to adequately equip Fire Control Rooms with necessary equipments and infrastructure. The PCCF also stressed on increased involvement of Forest dwellers in plantation activities and Joint Forest Management initiatives like Walnut Vans includes high value important tree species such as Ulmas, Apricot Mulberry, Poplar and Willow etc.
An event was organised to observe the Chinar Day at Forest Complex, Sheikh Bagh, Srinagar in the presence of the PCCF & HoFF and other senior officers. The event aimed to preserve the heritage value of the iconic Chinar tree and to highlight the importance of its conservation. Chinar saplings were planted within the Forest Complex as part of the programme.
Pertinently, Chinar Day is observed annually in March across Jammu & Kashmir to raise awareness about the protection and preservation of Chinar trees.
In addition, plants were distributed free of cost to encourage community participation in plantation activities.
