CS calls for boosting Fodder production, Eco-Tourism & Afforestation efforts

JAMMU, NOVEMBER 19: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo today chaired a comprehensive review meeting of the Forest, Ecology & Environment Department to assess its overall functioning and to take stock of key conservation, protection, and developmental initiatives underway across Jammu and Kashmir.

The meeting was attended by Commissioner Secretary, Forests, Sheetal Nanda; Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF), Suresh Kumar Gupta; and heads of various wings of the Department.

At the outset, the Chief Secretary underscored the critical importance of enhancing fodder availability in grazing areas, noting that fodder growth is intrinsically linked to the progress of the Animal, Sheep Husbandry, and Dairy sectors. He directed the Department to take targeted measures to scale up fodder production in all feasible forest zones.

Calling for a renewed push toward eco-tourism, the Chief Secretary observed that J&K’s Forest Department possesses significant assets that can be leveraged to promote sustainable tourism. He instructed officials to upgrade existing infrastructure to meet modern tourism standards and ensure optimal utilisation of these facilities throughout the tourist season, thereby generating meaningful revenue for the Department.

He also emphasised the need to study and adopt successful eco-tourism models from states such as Kerala, the North-Eastern region, and Uttarakhand. He highlighted that J&K, with its vast ecological diversity, holds immense potential to emerge as a leading eco-tourism destination if developed sustainably.

During the meeting, the Chief Secretary identified specific stretches such as Peer ki Gali and Tanghdar that require immediate ecological interventions to restore greenery. He reiterated that afforestation and reforestation should remain core priorities, remarking that forests act as the “lungs of the planet” and thus demand vigorous and continuous efforts for their protection and expansion.

Reviewing progress on major projects, the Chief Secretary examined the ongoing development of Jambu Zoo and the Kishtwar High Altitude National Park. He called for timely completion of all pending works to enhance visitor experience and directed officials to ensure provision of essential public amenities. He also suggested exploring the introduction of Night Safaris at Jambu Zoo and adding more animal and bird species to enrich public engagement and learning.

Commissioner Secretary, Forests, Sheetal Nanda, delivered an overview of the Department’s achievements. She noted that J&K is home to 2,135 forests across 42 types, and to safeguard these, 300,998 boundary pillars (BPs) have been installed so far. Of these, 163,601 pillars have been reinstalled, with 135,465 still pending. She added that 255,613 boundary pillars have been resurveyed using CORS-enabled GNSS technology as part of the Department’s ongoing digitisation efforts.

Providing additional insights, PCCF Suresh Kumar Gupta informed the meeting that the Department has completed the survey of state land free from encumbrances, resulting in the creation of a 2406-hectare land bank across 462 patches, now uploaded on the PM Gati Shakti portal for potential developmental use. He also highlighted progress in catchment area treatment works around major hydroelectric projects, along with the ongoing Wular Lake conservation initiative aimed at willow removal and de-mucking.

Further, it was revealed that Rs 17.59 Cr has been earmarked for developmental works in the Kishtwar High Altitude National Park, while Rs 71.6 Cr has been set aside for executing the master plan of Hynan.

Regarding environmental clearances issued by the Pollution Control Committee, the Department reported that out of 762 applications, 364 clearances have been granted, 142 rejected, and 15 are currently under process.