Kishtwar, October 22, 2024 In a significant step towards enhancing the ecological sustainability of the district, the District Development Commissioner (DDC) Kishtwar, Sh. Rajesh Kumar Shavan (JKAS),put a visit to raise a City Forest in Kishtwar.
The initiative is a part of the Environment Management Plan (EMP) for the Kiru Hydroelectric Power Project. The City Forest project is being undertaken to compensate for the environmental disruption caused by the ongoing environmental degradation activities. Mr Shavan said that the forest will serve as a crucial green space, promoting biodiversity, improving air quality, and providing a natural recreation area for residents and visitors. In this connection, the concerned officers accompained the DC and visited the proposed site.
During the site visit, the DDC Kishtwar held detailed discussions with the officers regarding various components of the City Forest. Key aspects of the project, such as the identification of land, the selection of suitable plant species for afforestation, and infrastructure requirements, were thoroughly deliberated. The DDC emphasized the importance of ensuring that the identified land by the Revenue Department is dedicated solely to the development of the City Forest. He instructed the officers to ensure that the land is utilized efficiently, keeping in mind the long-term sustainability of the project. The identification of appropriate plant species, which can thrive in the local climate and contribute to the ecological balance, was also a focal point of the discussion. Additionally, the DDC discussed the installation of essential infrastructure such as irrigation tanks and pipelines to ensure the uninterrupted growth of the forest. The construction of bridle paths through the forest area, to allow easy access for maintenance and public use, was also highlighted as a necessary component of the project. The inclusion of check dams was suggested to prevent soil erosion and to enhance water conservation within the forest area.
To ensure the security and upkeep of the City Forest, the DDC discussed the need for the construction of a guard hut, along with fencing to protect the forest from unauthorized access and to safeguard the newly planted saplings. He also highlighted the importance of pit digging, which would be necessary for the planting of the trees. At the conclusion of the discussions, specific tasks were assigned to the relevant departments. The Revenue Department was directed to expedite the process of land demarcation and handover, while the Department of Forests and Soil Conservation was tasked with finalizing the selection of plant species and planning for afforestation. The Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department was assigned the responsibility of establishing irrigation infrastructure, ensuring that water supply is adequate to support the growth of the new forest. Speaking on the occasion, the DDC expressed the district administration's commitment to environmental conservation and the promotion of sustainable development. He stated, "The City Forest initiative is a vital part of our efforts to restore ecological balance in Kishtwar.
By integrating environmental considerations into the Kiru Hydroelectric Power Project, we are ensuring that development and conservation go hand in hand. This forest will not only serve as a green lung for the city but will also become a symbol of our commitment to future generations." Those who accompanied the DDC during his visit included Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Kishtwar Vijay Verma, the DFO,Soil Conservation Sanjay Gupta, Tehsildar Kishtwar Nirbhay Sharma, Assistant Executive Engineer (AEE) of Public Health Engineering, and officials from the Deputy Commissioner's office. The City Forest at Shalimar is expected to become a major environmental asset for Kishtwar, promoting ecological sustainability and enhancing the quality of life for its residents.
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