Shah Hilal
The Anantnag Forest Division has set a target of planting 2,13,000 trees this year, including conifers and broad-leaved species.
These saplings will be planted in designated forest closures, as well as in schools, colleges, and private institutions. The department will also distribute saplings to the public for plantation.
Divisional Forest Officer Anantnag, Mudasir Mehmood, said that an additional 70,000 trees of a specific species will be planted in the region due to their economic and ecological significance.
On the issue of rising forest fires, he attributed them to changing weather patterns. “This year, precipitation has dropped by at least 80 percent, and there has been no snowfall. Our forests already contain highly combustible material. When visitors make fires and fail to extinguish them properly, it leads to forest fires,” he said, urging the public to exercise caution and avoid smoking or lighting bonfires in forests.
To improve fire response, the department plans to equip staff with essential firefighting gear. “We have some equipment, but this year, we have developed a detailed plan to provide fire suits, helmets, and other protective gear to our staff. This will enhance efficiency and reduce the risk of injuries,” he told The Kashmiriyat.
Mehmood also appealed to the people of Anantnag to support afforestation efforts by participating in plantation drives and visiting nurseries in Nagdandi and Dindu to collect saplings.
“Forests are not just a resource for the department; they define the natural beauty of Kashmir,” he said.