CS calls for accountability-linked plantation works

Over 1.06 lakh hectares treated, 746 lakh saplings planted since inception

Srinagar, May 21: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo today reviewed the physical achievements and implementation progress of afforestation and ecological restoration works being undertaken across Jammu and Kashmir under the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA), emphasizing sustainable restoration of degraded forests, scientific monitoring and enhanced protection of vulnerable forest landscapes across the UT.

The review was held during the 27th meeting of the Steering Committee of J&K CAMPA and was attended by Additional Chief Secretary, Finance; Commissioner Secretary, Forests; PCCF (HoF); Chief Wildlife Warden; CEO, CAMPA and other senior officers of the Forest Department.

During the meeting, the Chief Secretary directed the Forest Department to ensure complete digitization of forest maps and boundary pillars for effective demarcation and protection of forest land. Stressing the need for improving the survival rate of plantations, he called for linking payments to contractors with the survival of planting material and directed the Finance Department to vet future tenders for incorporation of suitable clauses in this regard. He also instructed the department to ensure greater field presence of staff up to the rank of Rangers for safeguarding forests and enhancing green cover across Jammu and Kashmir.

The Chief Secretary also reviewed year-wise trends in forest diversion and compensatory afforestation. The presentation revealed that diversion of forest land for non-forestry purposes has sharply declined after 2020, while the area treated under afforestation and ecological restoration programmes has nearly doubled in recent years, reflecting the administration’s increasing emphasis on ecological conservation and restoration.

Additional Chief Secretary, Finance, Shailendra Kumar stressed upon recreating missing forest records on the pattern of the Revenue Department and advocated staggered payments linked with survival of planting material in phases of growth for ensuring accountability and better outcomes.