Forest Restoration Efforts Yield 18,000 Hectares Rehabilitated

On November 1, 2023, the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF), Suresh Kumar Gupta, inaugurated a technical workshop at the NIC Dachigam in Srinagar. This one-day event focused on preparing the Annual Plan of Operations (APOs) for the financial year 2026-27, aimed at enhancing forest management practices.

The workshop served as a platform for implementing agencies to develop scientifically sound, output-oriented, and people-centric plans. Gupta emphasized the importance of engaging with local panchayats during the planning process. This consultation is crucial for addressing community needs regarding fodder, medicinal plants, firewood, and other forest products derived from the Compensatory Afforestation Management and Funding Agency (CAMPA).

In addition to the workshop, the PCCF launched two significant booklets: “CAMPA Success Stories, The Seeds of Hope” and “Forest Fire Management Plan of JV Forest Division.” These publications highlight the role of CAMPA in rehabilitating degraded forests, implementing soil and moisture conservation practices, managing forest fires, addressing human-wildlife conflicts, and conserving biodiversity.

Irfan Rasool Wani, Chief Conservator of Forests for Kashmir, provided an overview of CAMPA’s achievements since its inception in the 2010-11 fiscal year. He reported that under CAMPA, a total of 18,000 hectares of degraded forest land has been restored, complemented by the planting of 2.25 crore quality saplings. Additionally, the Forest Department has established 56 nurseries capable of producing up to 7.5 million conifer and broadleaved plants each year.

Wani underlined the necessity of improving the survival rate of planted saplings by focusing on economically viable species, diversifying plant varieties, and modernizing nursery practices.

During the workshop, Dr. K.S. Jaychandran, Chief Executive Officer of CAMPA, urged the participating agencies to prepare technically accurate APOs within set timelines. He stressed the importance of prioritizing greening activities, soil and moisture conservation efforts, and adopting a landscape and watershed approach for a holistic treatment of forest areas.

The workshop featured success stories from various CAMPA projects, presented by Conservators of Forests from different Forest Circles. Field officers, including District Forest Officers, contributed insights on quality plant production, nursery management, forest fire management, and wildlife habitat improvement.

The event concluded with a panel discussion that involved all participating officers, fostering collaboration among various departments, including the Forest Protection Force, Social Forestry, and Wildlife. The discussions aimed to enhance collective efforts in forest management and conservation.

The focus on community involvement and scientific planning marks a significant step towards sustainable forest restoration and management in the region. As these initiatives unfold, the commitment to rehabilitating degraded landscapes and enhancing local livelihoods remains a priority for the Forest Department and its partners.