Forest Minister Javed Ahmed Rana Calls for Collective Action to Protect J&K’s 20,194 Sq Km Green Cover

Jammu March 24, 2024 — Marking the International Day of Forests at the FRMC Building in Narwal, the Minister for Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, underscored the indispensable role of forests in climate regulation and biodiversity preservation.

Addressing a gathering that included Commissioner Secretary Sheetal Nanda and PCCF Sarvesh Rai, the Minister highlighted that Jammu and Kashmir boasts a recorded forest cover of over 20,194 square kilometers—nearly 48 percent of its geographical area. He emphasized that under the Omar Abdullah-led government, forest conservation has become a shared responsibility, acting as a natural reservoir for water conservation and a critical filter for soil protection and food security.

The Minister revealed significant milestones in the region’s environmental strategy, noting that over 78 lakh saplings were planted during the current financial year under the Green J&K Drive, with an ambitious target of one crore saplings set for the upcoming year.

Beyond afforestation, the government is focusing on expanding eco-tourism through new trekking routes and eco-parks to generate local livelihoods. Rana also detailed the department’s welfare initiatives, which provided over 9 lakh cubic feet of timber and significant quantities of firewood and green fodder to thousands of beneficiaries, ensuring that the needs of local communities are met in a sustainable and regulated manner.

Concluding the event, Javed Ahmed Rana reiterated the necessity of inter-departmental coordination and scientific research to combat challenges like forest degradation, encroachments, and climate change. He congratulated the UT-level Forestry Award winners and the latest batch of trainees from Forest Training Institutes, labeling them the backbone of future protection efforts.

By implementing national programs such as the Green India Mission and Nagar Van Yojana, the Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to restoring degraded landscapes and fostering a “people’s movement” to safeguard the natural wealth of Jammu and Kashmir for future generations.