SKAUST-K, Khyber organize planation drive at Khanmoh

Srinagar, March 01: A plantation drive was organized by Division of Silviculture and Agro forestry (SAF), Faculty of Forestry, SKUAST-K, Benhama, Ganderbal in collaboration with Khyber Industries Pvt.Ltd (KIPL) Tulpow, Khanmoh.
Prof. Nazir A. Ganai Vice Chancellor SKUAST-K, was Chief Guest on the occasion. Guest of the honour was Prof. T. H. Masoodi, Registrar SKUAST-K and Prof. Sajad A.Gangoo, Dean, Faculty of Forestry SKUAST-K.
The Program is a part of “Green Kashmir initiative” taken up by Faculty of Forestry, SKUAST-K in which the corporate sector contributes in various schemes and the major part is plantations which is done in collaboration with Faculty of Foresty, SKUAST-K.
The KIPL situated at tulpow, khanmoh is spread over an area of 30 hectares of land and is contributing in the economic sector and employment generation of UT of J&K.
The area of KIPL was taken up by Silviculture and Agro forestry, department of Faculty of Forestry, SKUAST-K one decade back for rehabilitation of degraded mine areas for
improving micro- climate for checking of pollution and soil erosion.
After surveying the area by the group of scientists of Faculty of Forestry which include Dr.G.M.Bhat, Dr P.A.Khan,
Dr.P.A.Sofi Dr J A.Mugloo and other Scientists of the Faculty. The necessary plant species suitable for the area were provided to the KIPL.
Till date 25000 plants were planted in the
premises of the industry (8 ha) and has been turned into a green belt. Green belt was established under the supervision of Prof. T.H.Masoodi (Registrar SKUAST-K). Scientists
from Division of SAF headed by Prof. G.M.Bhat played an important role in the rehabilitation of the mine areas. Dr. G.M. Bhat, Dr Sofi , Dr P A.Khan, Dr Megna Rashid and Dr Mehrajdin were felicitated by Hon'ble Vice Chancellor , and Registrar SKUAST K and for this wonderful work. Other Scientists from faculty of Forestry SKUAST-K who
played an important role for the same include Prof.P.A.Khan, HoD FBT, Dr.S.N.Zaffar , Head Division of SBS, Dr.Amir Farooq, Dr.Murtaza Shah, Dr.Vaishnu Dutt, Dr.N.A.Pala and
Dr.T.A.Rather.
All the Scientists from SKUAST-K and Staff from Khyber Industries participated in the Plantation drive.