Bivek Mathur
JAMMU, Nov 26: Over Rs 15 crores have been allocated to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir by the Government of India under various schemes to boost the region’s forest and tree cover.
This information was shared by Kirti Vardhan Singh, Union Minister of State (MoS) in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, in Parliament today in response to an unstarred question from several Members of Parliament, including MP Jugal Kishore Sharma of Jammu, regarding Government initiatives to enhance forest and tree cover, and protect mangroves and wetlands across the country.
Referring to the latest India State of Forest Report, the Union Minister noted that Jammu and Kashmir has a forest cover of 21,387 square kilometres and a tree cover of 2,867 square kilometres.
According to him, several schemes, including the National Mission for a Green India (GIM), Development of Wildlife Habitats Scheme, Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) scheme, and Nagar Van Yojana, are being implemented in the UT to further enhance green cover.
Under the National Mission for a Green India (GIM) program, J&K has been allocated Rs 4.50 crores for the financial year 2024-25. This program focuses on increasing forest and tree cover nationwide, he said.
Similarly, the Union Minister said that the Development of Wildlife Habitats scheme has allocated Rs 73.97 lakh for J&K during the financial year 2024-25. This central scheme plays a vital role in strengthening wildlife conservation and managing habitats across the country.
The Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) scheme has provided Rs 3.31 crores to Jammu and Kashmir, claimed Kirti Vardhan Singh, the Union Minister of State. This funding supports afforestation and reforestation projects crucial for restoring degraded forests and maintaining ecological balance.
Additionally, as per the Minister, J&K has been allocated Rs 6.58 crores under the Nagar Van Yojana in the financial year 2024-25. This initiative aims to create urban forests, which help reduce pollution, enhance green spaces, and improve the quality of life in urban areas.
In contrast, no funds have been allocated to Ladakh during the financial year 2024-25, stated the Union Minister.
Pertinently, the total forest cover of Ladakh stands at 2,272 square kilometres, with a tree cover of 954 square kilometres. India’s total forest cover is 7, 13, 789 square kilometres, and its tree cover is 95,748 square kilometres.
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