JAMMU: Commissioner Secretary, Department of Forest, Ecology and Environment, M.K. Dwivedi, conducted an extensive tour of forest areas around Jammu city including Mahamaya, Sidhra and Dwara to review the progress on works being executed by the department under encroachment eviction drive. Principal Chief Conservator Forests, Dr. Mohit Gera, Director, Soil and Water Conservation Department, P.K. Singh, Chief Conservator Forests Jammu, Sameer Bharti and other senior officers of forest department accompanied the Commissioner Secretary.
Dwivedi exhorted upon the officers for early preparation of Detailed Project Report regarding utilization and development of retrieved area in Dwara for developing the spot into ‘Tawi City Forest’. The Commissioner Secretary emphasized the need for promoting plantation of trees which absorb dust along with trees with good flowering round the year to create an eco friendly environment for a healthy life.
Dwivedi also visited the retrieved land in Raika and Sidhra and instructed the concerned for ensuring maintenance and protection of the retrieved land through fencing and regular patrolling by the forest guards. Meanwhile, Dwivedi visited various sites to assess the status of CAMPA works being executed by the department.
During the tour, DFO Jammu informed that nearly 360 kanals of forest land have been retrieved at Dwara during previous months, of which, 200 Kanals have been proposed to be utilized for development of the City Forest which would have amenities like walking tracks, view points, interpretation centre, bamboo groves etc.