Tag: Forests

Attack on army vehicle: Many detained for questioning, massive op continues in dense forests

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Jammu, Apr 21: Security forces have detained many persons in connection with the investigation of a case involving Thursday’s militant attack on an army vehicle on the national highway in Poonch in which five army personnel lost their lives.
The attack was carried out in the dense forests between Bhata Dhurian and Bhimber Gali. An army vehicle was moving towards Bhata Dhurian and it was ambushed by militants and the vehicle caught fire.
Officials told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the questioning of the detained people is going on.
On the other hand, the search operation launched in the area entered the second day with more teams of the army and police being deployed.
Vehicular movement on the national highway 144-A, which connects Jammu with Rajouri and Poonch districts, has also been kept suspended on the 25-kilometre stretch from Bhimber Gali to Bhata Dhurian.
Police have put up barricades both on the Bhimber Gali side and Jarran Wali Gali side of the highway, blocking it for the movement of vehicles.
Director General of Police (DGP) Dilbagh Singh as well as a high-level team of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) visited the army vehicle attack site. The NIA team examined the site and reviewed the overall circumstances.
The DGP was accompanied by ADG Jammu zone Mukesh Singh. He later reached Rajouri where he chaired a series of meetings with security force officers and reviewed the overall security situation and aggressive counter-militancy operations launched in the region.

The fallen soldiers include Hav Mandeep Singh, L/NK Kulwant Singh, Sep Harkrishan Singh and Sep Sewak Singh, all natives of Punjab and L/NK Debashish Biswal, a native of Odisha.
Army on Friday also held a wreath-laying ceremony for five soldiers who lost their lives. The wreath laying was held in Army’s General Hospital Rajouri. Senior officers from the army, police and civil administration also offered tributes to these soldiers—(KNO)
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#Attack #army #vehicle #detained #questioning #massive #continues #dense #forests
( With inputs from : roshankashmir.net )

April 21, 2023
Relentless Felling of Trees in Keller Shopian Forests Cause of Concern for Local Populace

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Investigations Going On to Identify Culprits: DFO Shopian
Umer Rashid
Srinagar, Apr 16 (GNS): Concerned over the alleged relentless felling of trees in local forest area, the population in Keller area in south Kashmir’s Shopian district has sought an immediate intervention from Lieutenant Governor’s office to check the trend and stop the wanton loot of green gold.
A delegation of locals told GNS that the activity of illegal felling of trees has been going on unabatedly in Compartment number 27 and 28, which according to them, is posing a grave threat to the ecology and nature of the area. “The jungle smugglers have been cutting the trees with absolute impunity to nature and disdain for the laws, while the authorities concerned seem to be least bothered about it”, they said.
“If this trend continues, we may god forbid see serious repercussions for no fault of ours at all”, they said.
A senior citizen, identifying himself as Mohammad Yakoob Gutto, while talking to GNS expressed his serious concern about the wanton loot of green gold.
“I alongside few other residents recently checked on to the claims made by few locals and we were witness to the fact that the felling of trees has taken place and many the stumps have been deliberately hidden with mud”, Gutto said adding the things indicate that this activity is going pre-planned and as such needs to be investigated thoroughly.
He emphasized that the forest department should prioritize the protection of old trees instead of just showing off their plantation drives.
Gutoo, alongside several other locals, urged LG office to take strict action against the smugglers and officials, if at all found involved, in deforestation.

When contacted, the District Forest Officer (DFO) concerned told GNS that they are already investigating the matter.
“Our teams are on the ground and once we identify the culprits appropriate action will be taken against them,” he said.
When asked about the reason for such incidents, he explained that some poor and unemployed individuals who have no other source of income sometimes cut down trees for money, which results in harm to the environment and ecosystem.
The DFO further stated that they have taken action against such individuals in the past several months. “So far this year, we have slapped 15 individuals with PSA and whenever and wherever we come to know regarding any such incidents we act immediately”, he said.
While the investigation is ongoing in the particular incident, the locals have expressed hope that the authorities will take swift action to prevent further deforestation in the area.
“Hope the district administration acts as per its mandate to take strict measures to protect the environment and nature in the region”, they said. (GNS)
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#Relentless #Felling #Trees #Keller #Shopian #Forests #Concern #Local #Populace
( With inputs from : thegnskashmir.com )

April 16, 2023
LG Sinha Attends International Day Of Forests, Calls For Judicious Use Of Resources

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SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha attended the International Day of Forests event organized by Department of Forest, Ecology & Environment at Convention Centre, on Tuesday.
The Lt Governor called upon the people for sustainable management of forests and the judicious use of resources to combat climate change and to ensure well-being of all.
“Healthy forest is key to healthy living of people and it should be our top most priority to safeguard these precious natural resources. Every element produced by nature nourishes us. Since time immemorial, the health & well-being of humans, animals & environment around us are interlinked”, said the Lt Governor.
The Lt Governor emphasized on striking a perfect balance between society and environment for a healthy ecosystem and a strong economy.
“Nature is a great source of wisdom. The more we learn from nature, the more we understand that forests are not only an integral part of our existence but also essential for our mental, physical health and well-being. A society that is closer to nature is more prosperous”, the Lt Governor said.
On this International Day of Forests, let us rededicate ourselves to protect nature and conserve forests with the spirit of “One World, One Health”. We must protect and nurture economic, social and environmental values for the benefit of present and future generations, the Lt Governor observed.
The Lt Governor directed the J&K Rural Livelihoods Mission to launch Van Sakhi Yojana in coordination with Forest Department for the socio-economic empowerment of the women entrepreneurs associated with the sector.
The Lt Governor asked the Forests Department and other stakeholders to ensure that policy on ‘Sustainable Utilization of Non-timber Forest Produce in J&K’ is fully operationalized on ground to maximize its benefits to the people, especially women and tribal communities.

The Lt Governor further emphasized on promoting high-value forest produce like Gucci mushroom and Artemisia herbal plant which can be found in abundance in the forests of Jammu Kashmir to bring significant improvement in the quality of life of the forest-dependent population without harming the forests.
He also highlighted the efforts made in the last two years for the protection of natural resources and extending economic benefits, livelihood and entrepreneurship opportunities to tribal families.
“Under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a large population of our tribal families dependent on the forests have been granted their forest rights for which they have been waiting for years,” he said.
The Lt Governor asked the Tribal Affairs Department and the districts administration to work in mission mode for granting individual rights under the Forest Rights Act and establishment of Van Dhan Kendras.
He complimented the Forest Department and allied wings for achieving higher targets under “One Beat Guard, One Village” programme under the campaign “Har Gaon Hariyali” and for their forest conservation awareness efforts.
With more than 55% green cover, Jammu Kashmir is ahead of many other states and UTs, the Lt Governor said.
The Lt Governor also gave valuable suggestions for sustainable management of forests.
The Lt Governor said the world population is dependent on forests in one way or the other. From our ancient texts to the latest and greatest invention of Artificial Intelligence Tool, you can find one thing in common i.e the entire universe is made of the five elements (Panch Tatva), he observed.
We must move ahead with the mantra of Panch Karma – the five major goals for the next one year. Non-Timber Forest Produce scheme must encourage associated Self-help Groups and communities to work on conservation of forests and plantation, said the Lt Governor.
Forest-related education in schools and participation of students in plantation drives must be ensured. Van Dhan Kendras and Self-help Groups should be involved in branding and marketing of forest-friendly products, he noted.
The Lt Governor said the inclusion of Panchayati Raj Institutions in Van Se Jal and Jal Se Jeevan program will make a greater impact in our campaign for conservation of natural resources. Further, we have to make the re-forestation campaign a mass movement, he added.
On the occasion, the Lt Governor presented the UT-Level Awards of Forestry & Wildlife Conservation to the frontline staff of Forest and Wildlife Department for their outstanding contribution.
He also felicitated the Village Panchayats for their efforts in the greening of common village lands.Kashmir(KNO)

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#Sinha #Attends #International #Day #Forests #Calls #Judicious #Resources
( With inputs from : kashmirlife.net )

March 22, 2023
International day of Forests: DC Kick starts Mega Forest drive at GDC Kulgam

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KULGAM, MARCH 21: On the eve of International Day of Forests being celebrated every year on 21st of March, mega Plantation drive was today organized by Forest division Kulgam at Government Degree College (GDC) Kulgam.
This year the day is being celebrated with the theme, “FORESTS AND HEALTH”.
The Plantation drive was kick-started by the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kulgam, Dr. Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat by planting a sapling of cedrus deodara within the premises of GDC Kulgam.
The programme was attend by College faculty, Officers from Social Forestry, Forest Protection Force, members of NSS volunteers, NGOs, media fraternity and students of GDC Kulgam.
The DC in his address highlighted the role of forests in providing abundance of Ecosystem services and thereby promoting healthy lives.
During the event plant saplings were also distributed among NSS volunteers.
Later, a Booklet compiled by Kulgam Forest division “Let us Conserve Biodiversity” was also released.
NO: PR/DDI/SGR/23/367/

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#International #day #Forests #Kick #starts #Mega #Forest #drive #GDC #Kulgam
( With inputs from : roshankashmir.net )

March 21, 2023
Fire Breaks Out In Sopore Forests

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SRINAGAR: A massive fire broke out in the forest area of Rampura, Rajpora in Sopore area of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district on Friday while as the teams have been deputed to douse off the flames.
Quoting an official the news agency KNO reported that a fire broke out in Wastung compartment of Rampura Rajpora, upper belt of Sopore.
He said that soon after the fire broke out in the area, the teams from Fire and Emergency department, Forest department including Forest Protection Force are on the job to douse the flames.
The officer said that the cause of the fire will be ascertained after the flames are brought under control.

Previous articleMinor Girl Dies In Road Accident

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#Fire #Breaks #Sopore #Forests
( With inputs from : kashmirlife.net )

February 24, 2023
The environmental scars of Russia’s war in Ukraine

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One year of war in Ukraine has left deep scars — including on the country’s natural landscape.
The conflict has ruined vast swaths of farmland, burned down forests and destroyed national parks. Damage to industrial facilities has caused heavy air, water and soil pollution, exposing residents to toxic chemicals and contaminated water. Regular shelling around the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, the largest in Europe, means the risk of a nuclear accident still looms large.
The total number of cases of environmental damage tops 2,300, Ukraine’s environment minister, Ruslan Strilets, told POLITICO in an emailed statement. His ministry estimates the total cost at $51.45 billion (€48.33 billion).
Of those documented cases, 1,078 have already been handed over to law enforcement agencies, according to Strilets, as part of an effort to hold Moscow accountable in court for environmental damage.
A number of NGOs have also stepped in to document the environmental impacts of the conflict, with the aim of providing data to international organizations like the United Nations Environment Program to help them prioritize inspections or pinpoint areas at higher risk of pollution.
Among them is PAX, a peace organization based in the Netherlands, which is working with the Center for Information Resilience (CIR) to record and independently verify incidents of environmental damage in Ukraine. So far, it has verified 242 such cases.
Left: Hostomel, Ukraine, after a Russian assault. Right: Port of Mykolaiv after a Russian strike | Imagery courtesy of Planet Labs PBC
“We mainly rely on what’s being documented, and what we can see,” said Wim Zwijnenburg, a humanitarian disarmament project leader with PAX. Information comes from social media, public media accounts and satellite imagery, and is then independently verified.
“That also means that if there’s no one there to record it … we’re not seeing it,” he said. “It’s such a big country, so there’s fighting in so many locations, and undoubtedly, we are missing things.”

After the conflict is over, the data could also help identify “what is needed in terms of cleanup, remediation and restoration of affected areas,” Zwijnenburg said.
Rebuilding green
While some conservation projects — such as rewilding of the Danube delta — have continued despite the war, most environmental protection work has halted.
“It is very difficult to talk about saving other species if the people who are supposed to do it are in danger,” said Oksana Omelchuk, environmental expert with the Ukrainian NGO EcoAction.
That’s unlikely to change in the near future, she added, pointing out that the environment is littered with mines.
Agricultural land is particularly affected, blocking farmers from using fields and contaminating the soil, according to Zwijnenburg. That “might have an impact on food security” in the long run, he said.
When it comes to de-mining efforts, residential areas will receive higher priority, meaning it could take a long time to make natural areas safe again.
The delay will “[hinder] the implementation of any projects for the restoration and conservation of species,” according to Omelchuk.
And, of course, fully restoring Ukraine’s nature won’t be possible until “Russian troops leave the territory” she said.
Meanwhile, Kyiv is banking that the legal case it is building against Moscow will become a potential source of financing for rebuilding the country and bringing its scarred landscape and ecosystems back to health.
It is also tapping into EU coffers. In a move intended to help the country restore its environment following Russia’s invasion, Ukraine in June became the first non-EU country to join the LIFE program, the EU’s funding instrument for environment and climate.
Earlier this month, Environment Commissioner Virginijus Sinkevičius announced a €7 million scheme — dubbed the Phoenix Initiative — to help Ukrainian cities rebuild greener and to connect Ukrainian cities with EU counterparts that can share expertise on achieving climate neutrality.

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#environmental #scars #Russias #war #Ukraine
( With inputs from : www.politico.eu )

February 21, 2023
Amid outrage among locals, TN forest dept chasing away wild elephant into deep forests

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Chennai: After strong protests by the people in the Gudalur area in Nilgiris district, the Tamil Nadu forest department is chasing away a tuskless male elephant, also knwon as ‘Makhna’, into the deep forests in the Madumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR).
Forest officials of MTR told IANS that the elephant, which is around 40 years old, has not yet posed threat to humans. But of late, there have been complaints from the local people that elephants have been creating havoc in their agricultural lands, causing damage to crops.
While the Makhna has not been antagonistic towards human beings, recently it destroyed three farm lands, causing extensive damage to crops.
A senior official of the forest department told IANS, “People have launched a campaign in Gudalur and other areas of Nilgiris to drive this elephant into the forest. Even though we know that it’s a harmless elephant, we have now decided to chase it into the deep forest land in the MTR area.”
The official said that the forest department is driving the elephant into deep forests taking into account the safety of the tusker.
It is to be noted here that the Palakkad Tusker 7 (PT7), which had killed a morning walker and damaged crops extensively in the Dhoni area in Palakkad district in Kerala, was captured a few days back by the Kerala forest department. Medical check-up showed that 15 pellets were fired at it from air guns.
Kerala Forest Minister A.K. Saseendran had said that farmers should not resort to such cruel acts against elephants.
Tamil Nadu forest department officials are hence driving the Makhna into the deep forests to prevent it from the wrath of the local people.

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#outrage #among #locals #forest #dept #chasing #wild #elephant #deep #forests
( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

January 26, 2023
CS Stresses On Protection Of Forest Lands, Livelihoods From Forests

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JAMMU: Chief Secretary, Dr Arun Kumar Mehta on Tuesday chaired the 22nd meeting of the Steering Committee of J&K Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) to review the implementation of Annual Plan of Operations (APOs) for FY 2022-23 and to consider the APOs for FY 2023-24.
Administrative Secretaries of Departments of Forests; Rural Development & Panchayati Raj; Revenue; Tribal Affairs; Planning; Secretary in Agriculture Production and Farmers Welfare participated besides many senior officers and HoDs from the Forest Department.
Some of the officers participated in the meeting through video conferencing.
The Chief Secretary directed the Forest Department to complete digitalization of boundaries of all forests of Jammu & Kashmir within a year. He directed constitution of joint teams comprising officers from Revenue, Forest, Tourism, RDD, PRI representatives and other stakeholders concerned to facilitate this process.
He enjoined upon them to utilize the latest technology like CORS and GIS in culminating the process scientifically in a time-bound manner. He also underscored the need of fixing boundary pillars demarcating the forest land in the shortest possible time to ensure protection of forest land from encroachment.
Dr Mehta also came up with a concept for utilization of biomass from forests, like lantana and pine needles with the involvement of Self Help Groups. While creating sustainable livelihood for communities living around forests, it will also be helpful in removal of potential fire hazards like pine needles and other inflammatory materials.
The Chief Secretary stressed on involvement of Panchayats in all afforestation works. Meeting the demands of the forest dependent communities for water, fodder and non-timber forest produce should be main objective of all afforestation works. This will ensure that they become willing partner in protection and conservation of forests, he added.
While reviewing the work proposals relating to Gharana Wetland reserve, the Chief Secretary directed the Wildlife Protection Department to make it one of the most important tourist attractions of Jammu. He directed that a comprehensive study should be carried out about the habitat and avifauna of Gharana Wetland for its better protection and development. He also emphasized on making arrangements for dissemination of information with visitors and nature lovers so that the visits happen to be a source of infotainment. He told them to look into the potential of developing as a cluster with Border village of Schetgarh so that both are offered as package to the visitors.

PCCF (HoFF), Dr. Mohit Gera apprised the Committee about the main activities of the Department. Under “Green Jammu and Kashmir Drive”, a record number of plants are being planted with the people’s participation under the campaign “Har Gaon Hariyali”. In the current year, against the target of 1.35 crore, department is making all efforts to plant 1.50 crore, of which about 0.90 crore plants have already been planted. He also informed about the initiatives taken to protect the forest areas through digitalization of boundaries involving Forest (Territorial) and Settlement and Demarcation Divisions and preparation of digital maps.
CEO, J&K CAMPA, Sarvesh Rai made a detailed presentation covering actions taken on the decisions of the Committee in its last meeting, progress of implementation of the approved APO of 2022-23 and proposed APOs for the financial year 2023-24. He informed that against the current year’s target of rehabilitation of degraded forests of 15000 ha area, 8108 ha with planting of 59.70 Lakh plants have already been covered. Winter planting in temperate zone is in progress and targets for the year are likely to be achieved in full.
The meeting was informed that the APOs of FY 2023-24 envisage afforestation of 13,719 ha area through assisted natural and artificial regeneration with planting of about 90.00 lakh plants. APOs also include proposals for eco-restoration of ecologically sensitive areas like Patnitop-Nathatop and areas with southern slopes etc.
Later on the Chief Secretary released publications titled “Har Gaon Hariyali under Green Jammu & Kashmir Drive” and “Digitization of Forests: Strengthening of Forest Protection and Management” by Forest Department, “Pollinators: Nature’s Miracle Workers” by J&K Biodiversity Council, and “Key Wildlife Species: Kishtwar High Altitude National Park” by Wildlife Protection Department.
After detailed deliberations on all aspects of the proposals, the Committee approved APOs for next financial year 2023-24 with an outlay of Rs274.00 Cr for its submission to the National Authority, (MoEF&CC), Government of India for their final approval.

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#Stresses #Protection #Forest #Lands #Livelihoods #Forests
( With inputs from : kashmirlife.net )

January 24, 2023