Awantipora: The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, J&K and Head of the Forest Force and Chairman J&K Pollution Control Committee , Dr Mohit Gera, IFS inspected Awantipora Forest Division of South Forest Circle.He was accompanied by Irfan Ali Shah,IFS, Conservator of Forests, South Forest Circle,Rafi Ahmed,Director Khyber Industries Pvt Ltd Riyaz Ahmad Tramboo, Regional Director J&K Pollution Control Committee, DFO Awantipora Forest Division Waseem Farooq, Deputy Director Forest Protection Force Awantipora Dr Mumtaz Majeed,Range officers and frontline forest staff.
Also Read | Ring Road Project: Nodal Officer Coordination Bandipora reviews revenue matters of Ring Road Phase-II
The program started with Guard of Honour presented to PCCF and HoFF ,J&K by personnel of Forest Protection Force. Dr. Gera then kickstarted a Mega plantation program in Khanmoh Industrial Area by planting Chinar sapling.During the planting drive,hundreds of conifer saplings were planted.
The PCCF also participated in an Environment awareness program at Industrial Area,Khanmoh and interacted at length with the Forest frontline staff,Industrialists and entrepreneurs, officials from J&K Pollution Control Committee on various Deliverables, schemes and Government programs in forestry sector including Green J&K Drive,One Beat Guard One village Program, Forests for Recreation,fodder , livelihood etc and directed the forest officials for work with full dedication and commitment for conservation and protection of Forests, wildlife and biodiversity through the people-centric approach of the department.
He also informed about various ease of business initiatives being taken by the Department for the industrial growth and development.
Also Read | Medical Camp Organised By Armys 55RR At Karimabad Pulwama
The PCCF also distributed mobile phones amongst the Forest personnel of Forest Check Posts of Awantipora Forest Division for implementation of National Transit Permit System.
Late evening, Dr.Gera,who also inspected mine reclamation areas of Khanmoh and appreciated the works done by Industry people.He informed that mine reclamation creates useful landscapes that meet a variety of goals ranging from the restoration of productive ecosystems to the creation of industrial and municipal resources.He stressed that mine reclamation shall always be a regular part of modern mining practices.
Conservator of Forests South Forest Circle Irfan Ali Shah in his address informed that the Forest Division Awantipora is a newly created Division which has been carved out from Lidder and Shopian Divisions.He said during the current year, planting target of 1.80 lacs plants was there and so far, 1.26 lac plants have been planted in this Division and remaining planting work shall be completed by end of this month.He informed that the DPR formulation work for Road Side Avenue Planting project for NH-1A from Qazigund to Srinagar was successfully completed and proposal has been submitted to higher authorities for approval. Besides, Perspective Plan for Forest Fire Management for an amount of Rs 35.00 lacs has also been submitted to Government for approval.. Further, the efforts are underway to make Pampore Range as a model Forest Range.
Also Read | 90K Smart-Meters Installed In Srinagar For Better Ramadan Power: KPDCL
Mr Rafi Ahmed, Regional Director J&K Pollution Control Committee, Kashmir Region also spoke on the occasion in which he highlighted the efforts of the JKPCC in pollution control and strict implementation of various rules and guidelines related to environment.
Others who spoke on the occasion included Mr Riyaz Tramboo,Director Khyber Industries.He thanked the PCCF and HoFF about various initiatives taken by Forest Department for ease of doing business and supporting the Industrial growth in J&K.
Waseem Farooq ,DFO Awantipora delivered vote of thanks.The program was conducted by Mr Farooq Ahmad,Range officer, Awantipora Forest Division.Industrialists,PRIs,Forest officials from other sister Departments,Local green volunteers participated in the day long program.
