Rs 5.18 crore for soil conservation, experts appointed in Kashmir

Srinagar: Concerned over the soil erosion, the Jammu and Kashmir government is spending Rs 5.18 crore under different programmes for conservation of soil for which it has also decided to rope in top experts in the field.
Officials said here today that Forest Minister Mian Altaf called for concrete measures to check erosion of soil for which he emphasised on roping in top experts in the field.
Chairing a high level review meeting of Soil Conservation department, Mian Altaf said Rs 5.18 crores are being utilised under different programmes for conservation of soil in Kashmir province during current fiscal.
Mian Altaf stressed on raising plantation in a systematic way.
This, he said has proved an effective method to check soil degradation besides preservation of rich and green environs of the valley over the years.
He directed the concerned officers to formulate action plans in consultation with local representatives for better and pragmatic results on ground.
He asked the field officers to stick to the instructions issued by the administrative departments.
However, he said flouting the government instructions will invite strict action.
The Minister directed setting up two more plantation nurseries for which funds would be provided under CAMPA. This, he said would help to augment plantation material for replication in the denuded areas.
He also emphasized on involving locals in soil conservation works, adding the locals deserve to have first access to employment generated by soil conservation works. The meeting was apprised that the department has set a target to protect 1709 hectares from soil erosion in Kashmir province.