Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Nov 19: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo today chaired a comprehensive review meeting of the Forest, Ecology & Environment Department to assess its overall functioning and to take stock of key conservation, protection, and developmental initiatives underway across Jammu and Kashmir.
The meeting was attended by Commissioner Secretary, Forests, Sheetal Nanda; Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF), Suresh Kumar Gupta; and heads of various wings of the department.
At the outset, the Chief Secretary underscored the critical importance of enhancing fodder availability in grazing areas, noting that fodder growth is intrinsically linked to the progress of the Animal, Sheep Husbandry, and Dairy sectors. He directed the department to take targeted measures to scale up fodder production in all feasible forest zones.
Calling for a renewed push toward eco-tourism, the Chief Secretary observed that J&K’s Forest Department possesses significant assets that can be leveraged to promote sustainable tourism. He instructed officials to upgrade existing infrastructure to meet modern tourism standards and ensure optimal utilisation of these facilities throughout the tourist season, thereby generating meaningful revenue for the Department.
He also emphasised the need to study and adopt successful eco-tourism models from states such as Kerala, the North-Eastern region, and Uttarakhand. He highlighted that J&K, with its vast ecological diversity, holds immense potential to emerge as a leading eco-tourism destination if developed sustainably.
During the meeting, the Chief Secretary identified specific stretches such as Peer ki Gali and Tanghdar that require immediate ecological interventions to restore greenery. He reiterated that afforestation and reforestation should remain core priorities, remarking that forests act as the “lungs of the planet” and thus demand vigorous and continuous efforts for their protection and expansion.
Reviewing progress on major projects, the Chief Secretary examined the ongoing development of Jambu Zoo and the Kishtwar High Altitude National Park. He called for timely completion of all pending works to enhance visitor experience and directed officials to ensure provision of essential public amenities. He also suggested exploring the introduction of Night Safaris at Jambu Zoo and adding more animal and bird species to enrich public engagement and learning.
Meanwhile, Chief Secretary chaired a joint meeting of the Forest, Ecology & Environment Department and the Agriculture Production Department to review possibilities for commercial cultivation, conservation, and large-scale promotion of aromatic and medicinal plants across Jammu & Kashmir.
During the meeting, the Chief Secretary noted that the current revenue generation of Rs 11 crore from the sector is minimal compared to its vast potential. He stressed the need for a structured and commercially viable strategy to harness the economic, ecological, and livelihood benefits associated with aromatic and medicinal plant cultivation in both forest and non-forest areas.
The Chief Secretary directed the departments to formulate comprehensive, area-specific plans aimed at mass propagation of these high-value plant species and to popularize their cultivation among farmers and local communities. He emphasized that forest areas should be utilized for demonstration, training, and capacity-building programmes, along with producing quality propagation material.
Highlighting the importance of creating visible models, the Chief Secretary called for establishing model herbal gardens in every district to showcase best practices and encourage farmers to adopt cultivation on a commercial scale. He further suggested developing cluster-based frameworks to help farmers learn, collaborate, and gain access to knowledge, planting material, and market linkages.
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