J&K achieves 20% rise in forest productivity: PCCF

Ramban, Jan 12: The health of forest cover in Jammu and Kashmir is commendable, with the region ranking first among all Union Territories in India for carbon sequestration.

The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF), BK Singh, announced a remarkable 20% increase in forest productivity, which has now reached 296 cubic meters per hectare and a total of 336 square kilometers over the past year, surpassing all other states, with Himachal Pradesh following closely.

This information was shared during a review meeting held at Batote in Ramban, attended by the Conservator of Forests for the Chenab Circle, Sandip Kumar, alongside all District Forest Officers (DFOs) from Ramban, Doda, and Kishtwar.

Singh noted the success of coniferous plant plantations initiated in 2010-11 under the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management & Planning Authority (CAMPA), leading to positive outcomes.

Regarding the Forest Rights Act (FRA), he mentioned that the Forest Department has a limited role. He highlighted that J&K is unique in its historical approach to forest management, having begun delimitation and demarcation of forests in 1921. The previous government took significant steps to support forest dwellers, granting them approximately 100,000 hectares of forest land in 1944.

He also emphasized that traditional methods for controlling forest fires, such as creating fire lines and establishing ponds and dams within forests, have been effective in preventing serious damage, contrasting with practices observed in other countries.

During the meeting, the group reviewed last year's expenditure plans and discussed the preparation of expenditure frameworks under CAPEX and CAMPA for the upcoming year. Additionally, the implementation of catchment plans for ongoing hydropower projects was addressed, including an inquiry into existing bottlenecks and recommendations for ensuring the successful operation of these projects.