SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir administration has allocated over Rs 950 crore in CAMPA funds for afforestation and environmental restoration over the last three years. According to the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, the state received Rs 269.97 crore in 2021-22, Rs 312.69 crore in 2022-23, and Rs 370.55 crore in 2023-24. A significant portion of this amount has been utilised for enhancing forest cover, with Rs 266.25 crore, Rs 282.63 crore, and Rs 245.37 crore used for afforestation and forest protection activities, respectively.
Jammu and Kashmir’s use of these funds also extends to urban forestry, with the state making notable progress under the Nagar Van Yojana, receiving Rs 138.46 lakh in 2021-22, Rs 476.28 lakh in 2022-23, and Rs 107.34 lakh in 2023-24 for the development of urban forests. Additionally, the state’s contribution to environmental sustainability includes participation in the MISHTI initiative, focusing on the restoration of mangrove and shoreline habitats. The effective use of these funds underscores the state’s commitment to ecological restoration and sustainable development. In line with the government’s efforts to enhance environmental resilience, the government revealed in the Lok Sabha Jammu and Kashmir’s performance stands out for its ongoing focus on restoring degraded lands and protecting its natural resources. The state’s allocation for the Nagar Van Yojana, which supports the development of urban forests, has also been noteworthy, with Rs 138.46 lakh in 2021-22, Rs 476.28 lakh in 2022-23, and Rs 107.34 lakh in 2023-24. Furthermore, the Jammu and Kashmir administration is working towards improving biodiversity and strengthening forest protection through various national schemes, including MISHTI (Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes), where targeted funds are provided for the restoration of coastal and mangrove ecosystems.
