Jammu, Mar 24: Minister for Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana today called for collective and sustained efforts to protect forests across Jammu & Kashmir, underscoring their indispensable role in sustaining life, preserving biodiversity and ensuring a secure future.
The Minister was speaking as the chief guest at a function held at the FRMC Building, Narwal, to mark the International Day of Forests.
Commissioner Secretary Forests, Sheetal Nanda, PCCF, Sarvesh Rai, Chairman PCC, Vasu Yadav along with senior officers of the Forest Department, awardees and trainees were present on the occasion.
Emphasizing the ecological significance of forests, he noted that Jammu & Kashmir possesses a rich and diverse forest resource base that plays a critical role in climate regulation, water conservation, soil protection and biodiversity preservation.
Highlighting the importance of community participation, Rana stressed the need for strengthening community-driven conservation and biodiversity management while maintaining harmony with nature alongside sustainable development.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting the region’s natural wealth through scientific research, inter-departmental coordination and community-based initiatives.
Drawing attention to the role of forests in regulating the water cycle, the Minister said that forests act as natural reservoirs and filters, ensuring clean water, sustaining rivers and groundwater, and supporting food security. He called for greater public involvement in safeguarding these vital ecosystems.
Referring to ongoing initiatives, he said that under the Green J&K Drive, over 78 lakh saplings have been planted during the current financial year, covering thousands of hectares, with a target of one crore saplings set for the coming year.
He also highlighted efforts to expand eco-tourism through the development of eco-parks, trekking routes and forest infrastructure, aimed at generating livelihood opportunities while ensuring conservation.
The Minister further informed that J&K has a recorded forest cover of over 20,194 square kilometres, accounting for nearly 48 percent of its geographical area and expressed satisfaction over the increase in forest cover over the past decade. He reaffirmed Omar Abdullah-led government’s resolve to further expand green cover through large-scale afforestation drives.
