Social Forestry Dept, Army organizesplantation drive at Rangreth Cantonment

Srinagar, Dec 01: A massive plantation event was organised by the Department of Social Forestry at Rangreth Cantonment, Srinagar on Thursday during which more than 5000 plants were planted by the Army Jawans of JAKLI regiment, children drawn from different schools, representatives from PRIs of Budgam and Srinagar districts, staff of Social Forestry, Ex. serviceman and Govt. Officials.
PCCF/Director Department of Social Forestry J&K was also present along with Addl. Commissioner Kashmir Abid Hussain at the event.
Besides, several officials from JAKLI Regiment, Officers from Social Forestry Department also participated in the event.
It is worth mentioning here that the Department of Social Forestry has embarked upon a massive Programme of winter plantation within the entire Kashmir Valley. As per the official spokesman of the department more than 15 lac plants shall be planted in all 10 districts by March 2023.
Department is emphasizingachieving the maximum target of the plantation before the onset of the Chilia Kalan spell so that the target could be achieved timely. Department is also ensuring the participation of representatives of PRIs like DDC, and BDC members along with Sarpanchs and Panchs of the Panchayats.
Department of Social Forestry is taking up this plantation under Green J&K Drive in which the Govt of J&K has fixed a target of 150 lac plants during the 2022-23 financial year on Forest lands and available vacant non-forest lands like Gram Panchayat Lands, State Lands & lands belonging to the Schools, Army, Paramilitary forces & other institutions.
Department has a target of planting about 10 lac fodder yielding local plant species along with palatable grasses to augment the supply of fodder to rural households which can play a significant role in boosting the rural economy.
The Farm Forestry/ AgroForestry Practices Department is supplying high fast-growing clonal plants of poplar/ eucalyptus and other fast-growing species to farmers for planting on their private lands.
The official spokesman said that the Department has made fervent appeal to the public at large, farmers and growers in particular to avail themselves the opportunity and take up plantations of fast-growing species including clonal varieties on their farmlands/ wastelands for economic and environmental benefits. These plants are available in the departmental nurseries in all districts.