Initiatives taken resulted in preserving the ecology, environment: Advisor Sharma

Srinagar: The Advisor to the Lt. Governor, KK Sharma Monday said that Jammu and Kashmir has taken several initiatives for preservation of the ecology and environment which have resulted in persevering the forest cover in the UT besides also addressing the environmental concerns in consonance with the already laid global protocols.
The Advisor was speaking at State Forest Minister’s Conference done through Video Conferencing, which was attended by Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Prakash Javadekar, Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Babul Supriyo, Ministers of Forest from States, Union Territories and senior officers of the Ministry / State Govts/Union Territories.
The Advisor while complimenting the initiatives of the Union Ministry said that the Nagar Van Yojana for the creation of 200 city forests in urban areas that have a Municipal Corporation would contribute immensely in increasing the forest cover of the cities and towns. He said that both our capital cities of Srinagar and Jammu already have a legacy of creation of green urban spaces. ‘The Shankar Acharya and Hari Parbat forests in Srinagar are two such examples which have been developed by the Forest Department. These were denuded and now are a dense forest. Similarly, the Mahamaya City forest, Tawi Herbal Eco-park and Environment park, Raika are examples of development of forests in Jammu City”, the Advisor added.
“Under the newly amended Nagar Van Yojana, six proposals are being examined. Best among them will be forwarded to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The Jammu and Kashmir will also promote School Nursery Scheme, 40 such schools across J&K”, the Advisor maintained.
The Advisor said that Under the vision of the Ministry to double annual plantation targets under Twenty Point Programme, J&K will be able to achieve the target of planting 84.48 lacs as has been assigned. He said that the department is also creating awareness drives under “Green J&K Drive” with the involvement of Panchayats, ULBs, Government Departments, Defence & Para- Military forces, Educational Institutions, NGOs and civil society.
The Advisor while thanking the Union Government taking initiative for rejuvenation of 13 Majors Rivers of the country said that the UT will take steps to support implementation of the approved Detailed Project Reports in coordination with the neighbouring states and the stakeholders for rivers of Jhelum, Chenab & Ravi falling in Jammu & Kashmir.
“We thank the Ministry for associating J&K in preparation of Detailed Projects Reports using the technology of LiDAR. J&K has submitted proposals for two areas recently in Reasi Forest Range in Jammu Province, Kandi Forest Range in Kupwara in Kashmir. The DPRs will be taken up for implementation in near future”, the Advisor added.
While welcoming the National Transit Pass System (National Portal for inter-state/intra-state movement of Timber, Bamboo and other Minor Forest Produce) , the Advisor said that the UT has already taken a step in this direction for ease of doing business wherein the E-way bill generated under the GST is deemed to be a transit permit. There is no need for traders to get separate transit permits from the Forest Department, he added.