Greening plan for historic Narbal–Baramulla highway reviewed

Srinagar, Nov 11: A meeting to review the greening and avenue plantation plan along the historic National Highway (NH-01) from Narbal to Baramulla — formerly known as the Jehlum Cart Road — was convened today under the chairmanship of Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) and Regional Director Kashmir, Irfan Rasool Wani.

A statement said that the road, which connects Srinagar to Baramulla, was originally constructed in the 19th century to facilitate trade and transport along the banks of the Jhelum River and remains a vital route for communities across the Valley.

The meeting was attended by DFO Urban Mehraj-ud-Din, DFO Social Forestry Baramulla Danish Khan, Lt Col Arvind from the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), Range Officer Baramulla, the Authority Engineer, and representatives of the Jehlum Construction Company.

During the review, the CCF emphasised the need for a well-planned avenue plantation programme covering aspects such as selection of suitable tree species, plant height, spacing, and installation of protective tree guards.

The DFO Social Forestry Baramulla was directed to prepare and submit a Detailed Project Report (DPR) within two weeks after conducting joint inspections with all stakeholders. The executing agency was instructed to carry out plantation work strictly in consultation with the Forest Department to ensure effective implementation.

The CCF further directed the DFO Urban to procure taller plant species appropriate for avenue plantations to improve the visual appeal and enhance the ecological value of the highway corridor.

Officials said the greening initiative aims to combine ecological restoration with heritage preservation by reviving the traditional tree-lined character of the historic Jehlum Cart Road.