Srinagar, July 8: Commissioner, Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC),  Faz Lul Haseeb, today conducted a comprehensive inspection of the Hari Parbat Range under the Urban Forestry Division to review the progress of ongoing afforestation, landscaping, and urban greening initiatives aimed at enhancing the city’s environmental sustainability.

During the inspection, the Commissioner reviewed the survival rate of plantations, maintenance of green spaces, progress of beautification works, and the overall condition of the area. He directed the concerned officers to adopt scientific plantation management practices, ensure timely irrigation, safeguard newly planted saplings, and optimize the use of available resources to maximize the survival and healthy growth of plantations.

Emphasizing the critical role of urban forests in improving air quality, mitigating the impacts of climate change, and strengthening the city’s ecological resilience, the Commissioner instructed the field functionaries to maintain the highest standards of cleanliness, landscape management, and environmental stewardship. He further directed that all ongoing works be executed in a time-bound manner while ensuring quality, sustainability, and long-term maintenance of the developed green assets.

The Commissioner also underscored the need to intensify plantation drives and further strengthen Srinagar’s green infrastructure in line with the Corporation’s commitment to developing a cleaner, healthier, greener, and climate-resilient city.

During the visit, officers of the Urban Forestry Division briefed the Commissioner on the progress of various plantation programmes, maintenance schedules, survival monitoring mechanisms, and the operational challenges being encountered in the field.

Appreciating the dedication and sincere efforts of the field staff, the Commissioner urged them to continue working with renewed commitment towards transforming Srinagar into a model of sustainable urban forestry and environmental conservation.

The Commissioner was accompanied by Joint Commissioner (Works), Divisional Forest Officer, Urban Forestry Division, and other senior officers of the Srinagar Municipal Corporation and Urban Forestry Division during the inspection.