Governor reviews implementation of SMVDSB’s Afforestation Plan

Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, July 11: Governor N.N. Vohra, Chairman of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB), today reviewed the developmental activities of the Forest Wing of the Board.
Ajeet K Sahu, CEO and B. Mohandass, Additional CEO of the SMVDSB gave a detailed briefing to the Governor, particularly about the todate status of the Fire Management Plan, fire lines Creation, establishment of Fire Observation Posts and production of Quality Planting Materials etc.
The Governor was informed that till date 14 Fire Observation Posts had been activated and against a target of 25 kms 16.25 kms of fire lines have been created in six fire sensitive sectors in the Trikuta Hills.
The Governor also reviewed functioning of the poly-green houses established at Shrine Board’s Kunia-Panthal Nursery and the variety of the plants being produced there. The Governor was informed that till ending June 2,05,304 Quality Planting Material,  including cuttings, seeds etc., have been produced.
Further the survival rate of old planting units (2013-14 & 2014-15) remained in the range of 73-89% while for the planting units created during 2014-15, the rate has been 92-96%.
The Governor directed the Addl. CEO to plant more flowering shrubs and creepers to improve the ambience along the entire Yatra route and also use more local and hardy species which have high soil binding properties.