Forest Deptt demonstrates low cost Greening technique to PRIs and Army at Batote

3000 seed balls dispersed in landslide prone area

 

Jammu: Forest Department today demonstrated low cost innovative greening techniques through seed ball dispersal in Compartment 88/Dudu,14 a and 22b/Batote with involvement of PRI representatives.

Commissioner Secretary Forests, Ecology & Environment, Sarita Chauhan, also participated in demonstration of Seed Ball dispersal on newly stabilized muck disposal site at Nashri.

She also interacted with Sarpanch, Panchs and locals of Panchayat Dharmood and sought their participation in such activities for supplementation of plantations. A  Chinar sapling was also planted by the Secretary at Nashri.

Continuing the low- cost greening demonstration drive and dispersal of seed through seed balls, Dr. Mohit Gera, PCCF/HoFF, visited Compartment 14a/Batote, which has witnessed a landslide in the recent past.

It is worthwhile to mention that Army camp of Delta force is also situated at the top of this compartment and this slide is also a threat to the establishment.

Being prone to more slides, it was selected for the stabilization through vegetative measures. About 3000 seed balls of different species viz Chir, Santha, Makhan, Shisham and local grasses were dispersed with the help of Army personnel led by Col. R.L Sharma,. Davinder Singh Sarpanch Dharmood, Panchs, locals and forest Officials.

PCCF also interacted with Office bearers of VDC, Panchayat members, Locals and also informed them about the steps being taken by the Forest Department towards improving the green Cover, minimizing of Man animal conflict and low-cost innovation in greening with the involvement of PRIs and other stakeholders.

The need for involvement of people in an innovative way for greening like patch sowing, use of seed balls and naked root planting was also discussed. He also stressed upon the key role of forest frontline staff to ensure the participation of Panchayati Raj Institutions and JFMCs as well as other forest dwellers.

This innovative greening is expected to scale-up the area covered every year for greening by the Forest Department.