Srinagar, Nov 15: Kishtwar is set to develop Jammu and Kashmir’s first official city forest under the Nagar Van (City Forest) Yojana.
An official told Rising Kashmir that the initiative is part of a larger effort by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to create green urban spaces in Indian cities.
He said that the proposed afforestation initiative is to be executed on a sprawling 975 kanal land located on the outskirts of Kishtwar Town.
He also said that the primary focus areas of the project will be large-scale plantation, habitat creation, and green cover enhancement, which will contribute to improving local air quality and providing a recreational haven for the residents.
He said that city forest will focus on enhancing biodiversity, providing recreational areas, and creating an environmental haven for both locals and tourists.
The planned city forest in Kishtwar will include walking trails, seating areas, and zones for environmental education, while also focusing on native tree species to support local ecology.
The Central Government launched the “Nagar Van” (city forest) scheme in 2020 to develop at least 200 city forests across the country within urban areas.
Srinagar has undertaken several projects to increase green spaces and urban forests under various environmental initiatives. Dachigam National Park and areas around Shankaracharya Hill and Harwan have been promoted for urban greenery and forest preservation, although they are not strictly “city forests” in the urban forestry sense.
Jammu has planned projects under the Nagar Van Yojana with the support of the Jammu and Kashmir Forest Department. There are initiatives to develop green spaces in urban zones, but these are in initial phases.
Under the Nagar Van (city forest), the J&K Forest Department has outlined plans to establish more green zones in cities and urban areas in both Jammu and Kashmir regions.
Specific city forest projects are expected, although numbers vary depending on land availability and urban planning in different districts.
