Srinagar Forest Department Launches Subsidized Sale of Conifer Saplings to Boost Urban Green Cover

Srinagar March 24, 2026 — In a major move to expand the green footprint of the Kashmir Valley, the J&K Forest Department has officially launched a specialized sale of conifer plants for the general public at the Sheikhbagh Forest Complex in Srinagar.

The initiative, inaugurated by Conservator of Forests Srinagar Circle Saurabh Sharma and Divisional Forest Officer Urban Forestry Division Dr. Sheikh Mehraj, specifically targets the enhancement of tree cover in urban and peri-urban areas.

By encouraging residents to plant indigenous species such as Deodar, Kail, and Fir, the department aims to foster a partnership with the community to increase environmental sustainability outside of traditional forest boundaries.

To ensure wide accessibility and encourage mass participation, the department has established a dedicated sale center where high-quality saplings are being offered at a highly subsidized rate of ₹13.50 per plant.

Saurabh Sharma emphasized that intensive plantation of these native conifers is essential for maintaining the ecological balance of the region. The sale center at Sheikhbagh Forest Complex will remain operational for the convenience of the public until March 31, providing a limited-time opportunity for citizens to contribute directly to the valley’s legendary green landscape.