Altaf launches massive Plantation Drive at Wasun, Kangan

SRINAGAR: Minister for Forest and Environment, Mian Altaf Ahmad today launched massive plantation programme under Compensatory Afforestation Management Authority Scheme (CAMPA) by planting deodar sapling at Wusan-Kangan which is aimed to cover barren land and augment forests in the state.
On this occasion, he was informed that under this programme 174 hectares of land would be covered during the next three years and in the first phase near about 40,000 saplings of Deodar, Kail and other kinds of saplings would be planted. 4000 rft land would be covered under chain link fencing, 8000 rft area under Angle iron fencing, 40,000 ms under broad leaved plantation, 12000 ms under conifer plantation besides, 50 crates and 350 Cu Mts under Soil conservation DRSM (Dry) this year.
Addressing the gathering, the Minister said that the Government has initiated several measures to cover the barren land with greenery and protect the existing green gold by reining the forest smugglers and other forest encroachers. He said by launching this project, it is expected that large number of people of the area would be able to earn their livelihood besides will get firewood, fodder for the animals.
The Minister said that better road connectivity, providing portable drinking water to the people particularly living in the far-flung areas of the State is on our priorities. He assured the people of the area that their genuine problems would redressed.
The Minister was accompanied by Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, R.D. Tiwari, Chief Conservator of Forests, Mr. Manzoor Ahmed and DFO, Ganderbal-Sindh, Hafiz Ullah.
Later, the Minister Chaired a high level meeting of the Engineers of PDC and NHPC at Dak Bungalow, Kangan and reviewed the progress of electrification of the area. He was informed that till date 43 villages of Kangan Block, 17 of Lar and 11 villages of Ganderbal have been completely electrified. It was said that 71 villages against the target of 179 have already been electrified.
Meanwhile, the NHPC Engineers assured the Minister for completing the target by March next year positively.
Earlier, the Minister also visited PDC Store, Kangan and enquired about the latest position regarding the construction of Degree College Kangan and National Hydro Power Institute at the proposed site.
The meeting was attended by Commissioner Secretary Power, Mr. Basharat Ahmad Dhar, District Development Commission, Ganderbal, Mr. Showkat Ahmed Mir, Chief Engineer PDC, Mr. Zahoor Ahmed Chat, Chief Engineer NHPC, Mr. Abitabh Srivastu and a various concerned Engineers.
The Minister also visited Jee Sahib Upper Singh Power Project and took stock of the power supply and discussed various issues with the concerned Engineers.