Kishtwar :: In a significant step towards increasing the green cover and enhancing the ecological balance, Deputy Commissioner Rajesh Kumar Shavan on Wednesday laid the foundation for the prestigious City Forest Project situated near Kishtwar Town.
The foundation ceremony featured the launching of a massive plantation drive under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam”. The drive was inaugurated by the Deputy Commissioner.
The City Forest Project will be developed over more than 280 kanal land and with the plantation of over 25,000 trees, along with the sowing of native species. This effort aligns with the administration’s objective to beautify Kishtwar while simultaneously preserving the environment.
The concept of creating a Nagar Van (City Forest) at the entry point near Shalimar was conceived by the Deputy Commissioner as part of his vision to mitigate the environmental impacts caused by the many hydroelectric power projects in the district. This project is expected to not only improve local air quality but also provide a recreational space for the residents of Kishtwar.
Key focus areas of the project include large-scale plantation, habitat creation, and the enhancement of green cover. These efforts will contribute significantly to the overall well-being of the local ecosystem.
The project is being supported by the technical expertise of the Forest Department in convergence with the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) for digging and plantation activities, while the Municipality of Kishtwar will assist with cleanliness and sanitation.
The City Forest is set to become a vital environmental asset for Kishtwar, benefiting both the local community and the region’s ecological sustainability.
ACR Kishtwar Idrees Lone, ACD Kishtwar Phulail Singh, DFO Kishtwar Vijay Verma, Dy.Registrar Cooperative/EO MC Kishtwar Mirza Mumtaz Iqbal, Tehsildar Kishtwar Nirbhay Sharma, BDO Kishtwar and staff from RDD, Municipality, Forest and others were present on the occasion.
