The Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority has treated an area of 85,000 hectares in Jammu and Kashmir by planting 557.97 lakh saplings to compensate for the 6,581 hectares of forest land diverted for developmental activities. The CAMPA has installed chain-link fencing to secure vulnerable forest areas in and around Jammu City from encroachers. The diversion of forest land for non-forestry purposes has declined in the past few years, and CAMPA has increased the treatment of these areas. In the 2022-23 financial year, 10,445 hectares of the area were treated under CAMPA, and 44.06 lakh Rft of fencing was installed. The forest areas around the Patnitop-Nathatop tourist circuit and Dera-Ki-Gali have been eco-restored through various measures. City forests have also been created in different places, which will become a major public attraction once they are opened to the public. CAMPA involves panchayats in all its activities to ensure transparency, and third-party audits of all its work have been conducted.
Afforestation can provide numerous benefits to cities. Trees and other vegetation can help absorb air pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, which can improve air quality and reduce respiratory problems. Green spaces can also help lower urban temperatures by providing shade and evaporative cooling, which can reduce the urban heat island effect. Additionally, planting trees and creating green spaces can enhance the aesthetics of the city, making it a more pleasant and attractive place to live and visit. This can have positive impacts on mental health and well-being. Furthermore, green spaces can provide habitat for wildlife and help maintain biodiversity in urban areas. Finally, trees and vegetation can help mitigate the impacts of climate change by sequestering carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and reducing greenhouse gas emissions through shading and cooling effects.
The efforts of CAMPA are crucial for maintaining a balance between rapid urbanisation and the benefits provided by forests.
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