‘Expedite installation of boundary pillars to demarcate forests, wetlands in J&K’

Srinagar, Oct 8: Highlighting the importance of winter plantation, Commissioner Secretary, Forest, Ecology, and Environment, Sheetal Nanda, instructed that activities in temperate zones commence immediately, covering degraded forests, urban green spaces, and community lands. Implementing agencies were also urged to expedite the installation of Boundary Pillars in forest areas and wetlands to ensure legal protection and clear demarcation.

Chairing a high-level meeting, Nanda reviewed the progress of ongoing development works across the Union Territory in the forest and allied sectors. The discussion focused on initiatives under various schemes, including CAPEX, CAMPA (Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority), Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS), and the Green India Mission (GIM).

District-wise physical and financial achievements for 2024-25 and 2025-26 were evaluated, along with fund utilisation, expenditure, and submission of utilisation certificates. The meeting also covered the Annual Plan of Operations (APOs) for 2025-26, progress under the UT CAPEX budget, and updates on approved projects under Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI).

Nanda emphasised that all schemes, particularly the Centrally Sponsored Schemes, must be implemented in letter and spirit. She stressed intensified plantation drives and timely financial bookings under the CAPEX budget and directed departments to complete at least 70% of planned works, including infrastructure upgrades, afforestation, and conservation projects, by December 2025.

Recognising the role of ecotourism in promoting sustainable livelihoods, the Commissioner Secretary instructed that pending Nagar Van (Urban Forest) projects be finalised and made operational by December 2025. She underlined that these projects will create accessible green spaces in urban areas while fostering community engagement and biodiversity conservation.

Nanda also called for enhanced inter-departmental coordination, proactive field-level execution, transparency, modern monitoring, and active community participation in plantation and conservation initiatives.

The meeting was attended by Suresh Kumar Gupta, PCCF & HoFF; Sarvesh Rai, Chief Wildlife Warden; Vasu Yadav, Chairman Pollution Control Committee; Sandeep Kujur, Director Social Forestry, along with all Chief Conservators of Forests, Conservators, Regional Directors, Divisional Forest Officers, and the Director Finance (Forest).