Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Aug 22: Minister for Forests, Environment & Ecology Mian Altaf Ahmad impressed upon the functionaries of Social Forestry Department to organize massive awareness programmes on need and importance of plantation for survival of mankind.
He was speaking at the 64th ‘Van Mahotsava’ function organized by Social Forestry Department at SOS Hermans Geminar School here today.
The Minister said that nature has bestowed Jammu and Kashmir with abundant natural wealth which needs to be preserved for posterity. He said that forests and human beings are inter dependent for their survival and it is our prime duty to preserve the forests besides focusing on plantation of more and more trees.
Mian Altaf lauded the role of Social Forestry Department in taking up plantations which is of utmost importance at present in view of increasing population and rapid urbanization. He said that in view of the growing requirements of people especially in rural areas in respect of fodder, fuel, wood and timber, the department has a very significant role to play.
He asked the officers of different wings of the department to work in coordination so that benefits of different schemes of the Government reach the targeted populace. He exhorted upon the department to further intensify their efforts of increasing green cover and meeting the requirements of the people especially in rural areas.
Later, he also planted a sapling of Accica Gulaica tree.
It was informed that the department will cover an area of 486.67 ha with plantation of 4.964 lakh plants during this monsoon season. Besides, 354.10 ha area has been covered by planting 1.358 lakh plants till ending July. In addition, till date under Farm Forestry 1.607 lakh plants have been distributed among farmers, locals, NGOs, Institutions, Army etc.
Director, Social Forestry Department, S.P. Sharma, highlighted the background and importance of the Van-Mahotsava besides elaborating activities of the department.
The Vice Principal SOS Hermans Geminar School thanked the department for selection of SOS Hermans Geminar School for plantation drive on the Van- Mahotsava.
Regional Director, Social Forestry Department, Jammu, A.K. Gupta, presented vote of thanks.
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