Srinagar: State Forest Department in collaboration with Himalayan Forest Research Institute, Shimla on Wednesday organized first consultative meeting here to discuss rejuvenation of Jhelum River.
Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, J&K, Suresh Chugh was the chief guest on the occasion. Chief Conservator of Forests, Kashmir, SFA Gillani, Director Soil and Water Conservation, Director, SFRI, Conservators of Forests, Kashmir North Circle & Kashmir South Circle, Regional Director, Social Forestry, Scientists from SKUAST and Kashmir University, and other concerned were also present in the meeting.
The consultative meeting for stakeholders focused on Preparation of Detailed Project Report (DPR) for rejuvenation of Jhelum River through forestry interventions.
On the occasion, PCCF applauded the efforts of Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education and assured all help from J&K Forest Department in the preparation of the DPR. He emphasized upon the need of rejuvenation of rivers of the State particularly in light of water scarcity being faced in various areas.
Dr Tariq Masoosdi, Dean Faculty of Forestry SKUAST chaired the technical session of the consultative meeting. Presentations were given by the Conservator of Forests, Kashmir North Circle, (Coordinator Water Management WUCMA), Dean Faculty of Forestry, SKUAST, Joint Director Soil and Water Conservation among others.
During the brainstorming session, DFOs and Project Officers provided suggestions for improvement of data collection methodology. Detailed deliberations about strategies and plans for DPR preparation were held.
The technical team from HFRI, Shimla has been entrusted with the preparation of DPR by ICFRE, Dehradun which has been asked to prepare DPR for Rejuvenation of major rivers of the country through forestry interventions including the Jhelum River.
