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Written by: JK Monitor News Network

Category: ENVIRONMENT

Published: 18 January 2024

• Initiative aligns with the Biodiversity Management Plan 2023-24 of CVPP(P)L-Pakal Dul HE Project  being executed by Marwah Forest Division

KISHTWAR: A spectacular Mega Plantation Drive unfolded on Thursday at Lohlu, Dangdoroo, in the Sounder Forest Block of Dachhan Range. This initiative aligns with the Biodiversity Management Plan executed by Marwah Forest Division for the year 2023-24. Organised by Forest Division Marwah, in collaboration with District Administration Kishtwar, Pollution Control Board Kishtwar, CVPPL, Pakal Dul HEPP, and Dangdoroo Kishtwar and under the guidance of Deputy Commissioner, Dr. Devansh Yadav, the event witnessed enthusiastic participation from authorities, officers, and high-ranking officials from various organizations, alongside the local inhabitants.

Under the Biodiversity Management Plan of CVPP(P)L-Pakal Dul HE Project, the Forests & Environment Division, Marwah, organized this mega plantation drive in Compartment number 35/D, Near Ikhala Temple, Lolu, Dacchan forest area. The total target of 5500 plant saplings, including Conifers and naked roots saplings (3000) suitable to the local geography, as well as fruit-bearing saplings (2000), are to be planted within the month of January.

Under the banner of the Green J&K Drive, the beginning was made by planting 1000 poly bagged saplings with the help of local residents along with employees of Forest Division, J&K Pollution Control Committee Kishtwar, and CVPPPL.

The mega plantation drive over an area of 10 hectares was led by Vijay Kumar, DFO Marwah, in the presence of Arindom Chakraborty, DGM (Geology) and Raghunath Jhoor, Sr. Manager (PR) from Pakal Dul HEP, as well as several other officials from CVPPPL, JKCC, and Forest  Department. The Conservator of Forests, Chenab Circle Doda, Dr. Jatindra Kumar Singh, and senior officials of CVPP were witnesses to the green drive through video conferencing facility.

At the end of the drive, the CF also addressed the local gathering, encouraging them to extend full cooperation to the Forest Department in ensuring maximum plantation and monitoring the progress of these saplings on a daily basis. Apart from physical monitoring, this plantation zone will also be monitored through satellite imagery from time to time.

Divisional Forest Officer Marwah Vijay Kumar delivered a comprehensive speech, outlining the plantation goals for the year – aiming to plant poly-bagged plants and Naked Root (NR) plants in the specified Closure. He emphasized the replication of such events in other locations within the Dachhan Forest Range.

Addressing the gathering, the contractor responsible for plantation works was directed to adhere strictly to the designated procedures and ensure both qualitative and quantitative excellence in execution. Expressing gratitude for the event's success, the local inhabitants were urged to refrain from littering, particularly during the prolonged dry spell prevailing in the area.

DFO Marwah encouraged the community to spread awareness and collaborate with the Forest Department in safeguarding and preserving the invaluable public property. It is pertinent to mention that CVPPL provides funding to the Forest Department under the Environment Management Plan of Pakal Dul HEP. Accordingly, a Biodiversity Management Plan was approved by the Govt. of J&K in the year 2021 with a financial implication of Rs. 18.00 Cr. to be spent over the plan’s duration of seven years.