GANDERBAL: District Development Commissioner, Ganderbal, Showkat Aijaz Bhat today said that a massive plantation drive will be launched in the district under which about 3 lakh saplings would be planted this season across the district. He was reviewing the arrangements being made by various departments for the plantation drive in the coming season.
The meeting was told that the Department of Soil Conservation would plant 41000 saplings of broad leaved species while Social Forestry Department would plant 50000 male Poplars, 80000 Conifers and other broad leaved species. Besides 150000 Conifers, 700 Chinar saplings and 10000 horticulture species comprising of Walnut, Apricot and Grapes would also be planted by other stakeholders as well.
Stressing the need for synergy in the efforts of the concerned departments for making the plantation drive successful, the Deputy Commissioner directed the officials to undertake effective awareness campaigns in the district to educate the people about the hazards of deforestation and environmental degradation. He said such motive shall not only beautify the district but shall also give vent to clean and fresh environment to the people here.
Besides officers from Forest, Social Forestry, Soil Conservation, Horticulture, Floriculture and Rural Development departments the meeting was attended by civil society members and representatives of NGOs as well.