The Jammu and Kashmir Forest Department has launched a major initiative to plant 1.5 crore saplings by the end of March this financial year. The goal is to enhance the region’s green cover and combat climate change. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF & HoFF) S.K. Gupta announced the plan during a plantation drive at Ompora city forest. Addressing concerns over rising forest fires, he attributed the issue to an extended dry spell but assured that prompt action by forest officials had minimized damage. To strengthen the department, vacancies are being referred to the SSRB for recruitment. Additionally, the Social Forestry Department distributed male poplar clones to support local farmers and increase tree cover beyond forest areas. Emphasizing modern techniques in nursery management, PCCF released a pamphlet prepared by DFO Budgam with best practices. During his visit to the Forest nursery in Budgam, he stressed the importance of growing tall conifer plants. Highlighting the role of community participation in forest conservation, he encouraged residents to take part in plantation drives. The event was attended by civil society members, NGOs, and senior forest officials, including Chief Conservator of Forests Kashmir Irfan Rasool, Regional Wildlife Warden Kashmir Tawheed Deva, and Regional Director Social Forestry Zahid Moghul.
