KUPWARA, OCTOBER 05: The District Steering Committee (DSC) for the Green India Mission (GIM) has approved a ₹424.53 lakh Perspective Plan for Kupwara covering the period 2026–27 to 2031–32, targeting treatment of 141.50 hectares through forest restoration, plantation, wetland conservation, agroforestry and livelihood interventions.
The plan was approved at a meeting chaired by Deputy Commissioner Kupwara Shrikant Suse at the Deputy Commissioner’s office on Sunday.
The new Perspective Plan includes restoration of degraded open forest ecosystems, rehabilitation of abandoned mining and stone quarry areas, urban and peri-urban plantation, eco-restoration of wetlands, agroforestry and social forestry, besides alternative fuel and livelihood support.
At the meeting, DFO Kamraj made a detailed presentation on the objectives and components of the Green India Mission, achievements under the previous Perspective Plan and proposed interventions for the new planning period.
Under the previous Perspective Plan, 409.36 hectares were treated against a target of 541.40 hectares, while 1,48,470 plants were raised or planted.
The meeting also reviewed livelihood initiatives implemented under GIM, including distribution of sewing machines to women self-help groups, potter wheels to local artisans, wood-carving tool kits to trained youth and honey boxes to members of the tribal community.
Focus on convergence, urban greening
Suse directed that GIM interventions be implemented through convergence with ongoing schemes of the Agriculture, Rural Development and other allied departments.
He called for greater attention to urban greening and beautification, particularly at the entry point of Kupwara town, besides focused interventions for the beautification and eco-restoration of wetlands and water bodies.
The Deputy Commissioner also emphasised livelihood enhancement for tribal and forest-dependent communities through value addition, processing and market linkages for locally available non-timber forest products (NTFPs) and other forest-based products.
The Perspective Plan provides for establishment of an NTFP Processing Centre in Kamraj Forest Division, along with Training Centres and Nursery Research Centres in Kamraj and Kehmil Forest Divisions.
Lolab plastic-free initiative
Suse called for measures to make Lolab Valley plastic-free, including establishment of suitable anti-polythene collection points near security posts and other strategic locations through coordinated efforts of the Forest Department, Rural Development Department and other concerned agencies.
He also stressed the need for rehabilitation of the stone quarry at Kralpora and directed that GIM micro-plans be prepared in consultation with allied departments to ensure integrated and site-specific interventions.
The District Steering Committee subsequently approved the Perspective Plan for 2026–27 to 2031–32, with the priorities and directions discussed during the meeting to be incorporated into its implementation.
The meeting was attended by the Assistant Commissioner Development Kupwara, Assistant Commissioner Panchayats, Chief Agriculture Officer, DFO Langate, Technical Officer to Conservator of Forests, North Kashmir, representatives of DFO Kehmil Forest Division, District Tribal Welfare Officer Kupwara and other concerned officers and officials.
