Excelsior Correspondent
RAJOURI, Apr 14: In view of upcoming intense hot summer season and increasing possibility of forest fire incidents, the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, J&K, Dr Mohit Gera today visited several areas of Reasi and Nowshera Forest Divisions and inspected the operational preparedness of the staff at the Fire Control Rooms/Units established there.
In Nowshera Forest Division, PCCF inspected the control burning operations in compartment No. 52/D of Block Dharamsal. The schedule of operation and fire control operation was briefed by DFO Nowshera during the visit. The proposal regarding pine needles based energy options involving local people was also discussed on the spot. The role of PRIs and industries to operationalise the biomass to energy option providing alternative livelihood to Panchayats were also discussed.
In Nowshera Forest Range, operational status of Fire Control Room was reviewed. On field inspection, drone based monitoring of fire line creation along Kalidhar ridge was overseen by the PCCF. During the deliberation with field staff, instructions were given regarding composite green packages for Panchayats and this concept was discussed in detail. Low cost greening options including seed balls were also discussed in detail.
Capacity enhancement of Nadpur nursery involving addition of a low cost mist chamber and a seed processing unit were discussed during the visit. In order to enhance the proportion of indigenous and local species in the greening activity, collection of quality seed material was reiterated. Further, the directions were issued to formulate proposals for modernisation of nurseries and training of staff on immediate basis.
In Reasi Forest Division, Wazir Bowli Nursery and Nomian Nurseries were inspected and assessment of production capacity vis- a- vis greening requirement for the year 2021-22 was carried out. It was emphasised during inspection that production capacity of plants should be enhanced not only to meet the greening target of forest department but also as per the current demand of PRI institutions, line departments, security forces and educational institutions under Green J&K drive.
Conservator of Forests, West Circle Rajouri, B Mohandaas; Jyotsna- Divisional Forest Officer, Reasi and Suresh Manda-Divisional Forest Officer, Nowshera, briefed the PCCF regarding various initiatives being taken at divisional level and assured proper execution.
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