- Asks people to plant more trees for pollution-free Kashmir
SRINAGAR: Minister for Forests, Ecology and Environment, Choudhary Lal Singh today inspected various forest compartments and nurseries here at Kralsangri and interacted with locals. The Minister asked the Divisional Forest Officers (DFOs) to involve local people in the plantation drives in the area. He said Government is making all efforts to cover all open spaces with green cover by planting seasonal plants. He asked the officers to achieve district-wise target of tree plantation aimed at restoring the ecological balance.
The Minister directed for expansion of Kralsangri nursery with maximum plantation of new saplings and replacement of the grown one. He called for development of all forest nurseries on the modern lines. He further instructed the DFO to plant more and more plants in forest closures of the area during current rainy season. Interacting with the officials, the Minister highlighted the importance of forests and sought their cooperation in protection of the green gold. The Minister said that the worth of a tree should be considered more than that of gold which is always taken care of and kept safe. “If there are trees, there will be no pollution, no diseases and no disturbance in weather,” he asserted.
Singh asked the officers to devise innovative techniques to prevent the erosion and loss of forest soil. He stressed on construction of check dams, DRSM works and plantation of soil binder plants. Later, the Minister also interacted with the workers at the nursery and urged them to give their best to beautify the nursery. He also directed the officers to develop it on modern lines by planting ornamental and fruit plants. During the visit, Choudhary Lal Singh asked the officers of Wildlife Department to take necessary safety measures to prevent attacks by wild animals on people visiting Shankracharya temple.