Blessed with scenic beauty, J&K figures among top five states with increased forest cover area

Srinagar, January 1: Bound to be blessed with beauty and enhancing the scenic exquisiteness with nature’s touch, the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir has marked its place among top five in the country reflecting a significant achievement in forest conservation. Jammu & Kashmir has tree growing stock of 144.16 cubic-meter per hectare which is the highest among all the States and Union Territories of the country.

 

Jammu & Kashmir also has substantial stock of carbon reserves locked in its forests by way of ‘Above ground biomass’, ‘below ground biomass’ and Soil organic carbon. In terms of carbon stock per hectare, Jammu & Kashmir is at number three after the States/ UTs of Sikkim and Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Commissioner Secretary Forest, Ecology & Environment, Manoj K. Dwivedi appreciated the efforts of officers and frontline staff of the Forest Department in protecting and managing the forest effectively, which has resulted in the increase of 371 sq km in forest cover.

Highlighting the importance of good forests for ecological security of J&K and for meeting the Sustainable Development Goals particularly on provisioning of clean water, healthy environment and mitigation of the changing climate, he stressed upon to strengthen the efforts towards further increasing the green cover of the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir. He impressed upon the need for best utilization of funds from CAMPA, State Sector & various Centrally Sponsored Schemes for improving the quality of forests.

He also expressed the need for modernization of the department with use of technology to ensure sustainable management of forests essential for securing the fragile ecology of the Union Territory. This will also benefit the forest dependent communities particularly in terms of providing bonafide needs and livelihood opportunities.