SRINAGAR: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo has instructed officials of the Forest, Ecology & Environment Department to formulate a comprehensive, scientifically backed action plan for the rehabilitation of degraded forests in the Union Territory. The directive was issued during a high-level review meeting held today, where ongoing conservation efforts for lakes and wetlands were also assessed.
Dulloo emphasised that the action plan must be implemented within a stipulated timeframe to ensure effective forest restoration. Stressing the importance of forest land management, he called for the expedited survey and demarcation of forest lands through the installation of boundary pillars and digitisation of records to curb encroachments.
In a bid to enhance afforestation efforts, the Chief Secretary directed officials to intensify plantation drives to meet the target of planting 1.5 crore saplings by the end of the upcoming season. He underlined the need for protective measures, such as fencing, to ensure maximum survival of planted saplings.
Highlighting the ecological significance of wetlands, Dulloo called for strengthened conservation measures, particularly for Wular Lake, Asia’s largest freshwater lake. He instructed senior forest officials to personally review the progress of ongoing conservation efforts and devise mechanisms to accelerate their execution.
On the conservation of Kishtwar High Altitude National Park, Dulloo stressed the necessity of increased manpower and resources to meet conservation targets. He also urged the early approval and implementation of the Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) in coordination with multiple departments to streamline conservation efforts.
During the meeting, Commissioner Secretary Sheetal Nanda provided an overview of the department’s activities, including afforestation, wildlife protection, pollution control, and biodiversity conservation. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Suresh Kumar Gupta detailed the current state of forest cover in the UT and the extensive efforts needed to rehabilitate degraded forests.
The meeting also reviewed updates on wetland conservation, the demarcation of Wular Lake’s boundary, and progress on afforestation projects, with officials committing to intensified efforts for environmental sustainability in the region.
