Jammu, October 11 : In a significant move to boost forest conservation and green development, Commissioner Secretary of the Forest, Ecology & Environment Department, Ms. Sheetal Nanda (IAS), chaired a high-level review meeting to assess the progress of various forest development initiatives across Jammu and Kashmir.
The meeting focused on the implementation status of ongoing works under major schemes, including CAPEX, CAMPA, Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS), and the Green India Mission (GIM). District-wise physical and financial achievements for the fiscal years 2024–25 and 2025–26 were thoroughly reviewed during the session.
Commissioner Secretary Nanda issued clear directives to forest officials to ensure timely completion and quality execution of all projects. She set an ambitious target of achieving 70% completion of the planned works by December 2025, urging all concerned departments to expedite their efforts.
Special emphasis was laid on the importance of winter plantation drives, forest land demarcation using boundary pillars, and the accelerated implementation of Nagar Van (Urban Forest) projects. These initiatives are aimed at promoting urban green spaces and enhancing community engagement in ecological restoration.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment, Ms. Nanda highlighted the crucial role of sustainable forestry in achieving climate resilience and ecological balance. She stressed that community participation remains central to the success of these initiatives, encouraging forest officials to foster local involvement at every stage.
The review meeting was attended by top officials of the Forest Department, including PCCF & HoFF Suresh Kumar Gupta, Chief Wildlife Warden Sarvesh Rai, Chairman PCC Vasu Yadav, and Director of Social Forestry Sandeep Kujur, along with senior forest officers from both Jammu and Kashmir regions.
The gathering underscored the unified efforts being made to align Jammu & Kashmir’s forest development goals with broader environmental and climate commitments.
Report: Mansoor Qadir, ITN.
