Asks Forest Deptt to explore possibility of making Dachigam more accessible local destination, lays special emphasis on protection of Mansar-Surinsar lakes, wetlands
Jammu: Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha Wednesday paid homage to all the martyrs of the Forest Department who have laid down their lives and made supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. “I salute the bravery of forest personnel working day and night to protect Forests, Wildlife and the Environment”, said the Lt Governor.
The Lt Governor was speaking at the Passing out Ceremony of the Forest Guards of 32nd, 56th, and 66th Course here at Convention Centre. The ceremony started with the Guard of Honour to the Lt Governor by the personnel of the Forest Protection Force, J&K.
To mark the occasion, the Lt Governor planted saplings of Rudraksh in the premises of Convention Centre.
B V R Subrahmanyam, Chief Secretary was the Guest of Honour on the occasion.
During his address, the Lt Governor congratulated the 98 pass-outs and exhorted them to discharge the noble responsibility of conserving natural resources and biodiversity with utmost zeal and dedication.
Emphasizing on extending J&K’s green cover, the Lt Governor called for development of Eco Parks across J&K and establishing more Bal Vans, and green areas specifically for the Senior Citizens, besides comprehensive plan for the conservation of ecology in and around Mansar-Surinsar lakes and protection of wetlands and wastelands.
He also asked the department to focus on Hangul conservation and explore the possibility of making the Dachigam as a more accessible local destination.
Highlighting the role of forest frontline staff in protection and conservation of forests and the biodiversity, the Lt Governor said that Forest Guards are no less than soldiers of our Defence and Police forces. He asked the department to organize programmes on 11th September-Forest Martyr’s Day every year to mark the efforts of frontline staff and pay tribute to their valour and sacrifices.
The Lt Governor appreciated the department on notable increase of forest cover as reported by Forest Survey of India in its 2019 report.
J&K with an increase of 348sq km of forest cover has figured among top 5 States/UT that have registered the highest increase in forest cover. These forests have enabled J&K to receive a higher proportion of funds, around Rs 1700 Cr annually under the 15th Finance Commission. I congratulate the Department for this, said the Lt Governor.
Underscoring the importance of Forests, the Lt Governor said that a nations’ strength predominantly rests in its natural and human resources. In natural resources, India ranks among the top twelve mega-diverse countries of the world and UT of Jammu and Kashmir harbors huge diversity due to its geographic and altitudinal variation, he added.
Speaking on the positive impact of forest products on the economy of the UT, the Lt Governor observed that the monetary value of benefits like timber, firewood, fodder and non-timber Forest Products as assessed by Directorate of Economics & Statistics are worth around Rs 3000 Crore which is more than 2% of the GDP of J&K. Focusing on new avenues like Ecotourism and promotion of Wood-Based Industries, the contribution to GDP can be increased substantially, added the Lt Governor.
On the implementation of the Forest Rights Act, the Lt Governor said that the Government is committed towards the welfare of the communities dependent on forests who were earlier deprived of their rights.
The Forest Department and the Tribal Affairs Department are working tirelessly to ensure livelihood security, dignity and prosperity to Forest Dwelling Scheduled Tribes and other Traditional Forest Dwelling communities, the Lt Governor maintained.
The Lt Governor called on the Forest Department to make various interventions through innovative methods, use of technology and active involvement of people for ecological restoration and conservation.
“I am sure that the Green Jammu & Kashmir Drive with a target of planting One Crore plants will contribute significantly in this direction”, said the Lt Governor.
He informed that the 98 Forest Guard Trainees who have successfully completed the training course are from Forest Guards Training School, Doomi, Akhnoor; Soil Conservation Training School, Miran Sahib, Jammu, and Kashmir Forest Training School, Chitternar, Bandipora.
On the occasion, the Lt Governor felicitated the trainees who excelled in academics and extracurricular activities. He also extended his greetings to the people on World Wildlife Day and World Hearing Day.
Among the passed out Forest Guards Trainees, Nitish Rasgotra received award for Best All Round Trainee for 56th Course, Forest Guard Training School, Doomi; Varun Dev Singh received award for Best All Round Trainee for 32nd Course, Soil Conservation Training School, Miran Sahib, and Abdul Rashid Bhat for 66th Course, Kashmir Forest Training School, Chitternar.
