PAMPORE: The Forest department of Jammu and Kashmir has planted 1.10 crore saplings of different plant species in Jammu and Kashmir against a target of 1.30 crore saplings.
This was revealed by higher officials of the forest department here at India International Kashmir Saffron Trade Center( IIKSTC) Dussu Pampore after carrying out a plantation drive.
Principal chief Conservator of Forests Dr Mohit Gera (HoFF), J&K spoke about efforts made by the Department of J & K for Afforestation and Rehabilitation of degraded forests. He said the Government has initiated the Green J&K Drive program to increase the green cover.
“Against the planting target of 1.30 crore saplings this year , about 1.10 crore saplings have been planted in J&K till now,” he said, adding that they carried out an institutional plantation drive at IIKSTC Pampore.
Taking to Kashmir Reader PCCF Dr Mohit Gera said ” this is new saffron institution and there is a scope for plantation, in collaboration with staff members a number of conifers saplings were planted,” he said, adding that free saplings distribution was held among various farmers, locals and employees for plantation at their farms.
He told Kashmir Reader that an awareness session on importance of forests was also held.
The officers also planted many saplings on the lawns of IIKSTC Pampore.
Additional Chief Conservator of Forests, T Rabi Kumar said that the department has set a target of planting 40 lakh saplings for Kashmir.
” Around 16 lakh saplings will be planted in South Kashmir,” he said, adding that they are planning the saplings so that they will provide fresh air and water and also add to the greenery of the area.
Nadeem Qadri, Environmental Lawyer also spoke on the occasion and thanked the forest department for supporting all Greening project in Pampore Range. He thanked the CF South for guiding and supporting the youth of Pampore for forest and wildlife Conservation.
Environment poet Muqlis read out poetry on forest conservation.Dr. Majid Ali,Senior Scientist, IIKSTC, Pampore also spoke on the occasion, officials told Kashmir Reader.
The entire program was conducted successfully by Conservator south circle Irfan Ali Shah who thanked the PCCF (HoFF), J&K and APCCF Kashmir for their visit to South Circle and for fully supporting the forest development programs and initiatives in South Kashmir.
The other participants included Scientists from IISSTC Pampore Dr Khurshid, Dr. Majid Ali, Dr Muzammil, Members.

BILAL HABIB