APRIL 5: The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) and Head of Forest Force (HoFF) of Jammu and Kashmir Forest Department, Suresh Kumar Gupta, chaired the 36th meeting of the Executive Committee (EC) today. The meeting focused on reviewing the implementation of the Annual Plan of Operations (APOs) for the 2024-25 financial year and formulating the APOs for 2025-26 under the CAMPA (Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority) scheme.
During the meeting, PCCF & HoFF, Suresh Kumar Gupta, highlighted the significant achievements made under the CAMPA initiative. He emphasized the contribution of CAMPA in meeting the target of planting 150 lakh saplings as part of the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign for 2024-25. The campaign focused on expanding green cover in the region. He further elaborated on various ongoing projects, including slope stabilization along highways, infrastructure development for frontline staff, and forest land protection through boundary pillars and fencing for vulnerable forest areas.
The Chief Executive Officer of CAMPA, T. Rabi Kumar, provided a comprehensive presentation on the progress made in implementing the approved APOs for the current year. He covered the actions taken on previous EC decisions and outlined the proposed APOs for 2025-26.
For the upcoming year, the proposed APOs include the afforestation of approximately 4,500 hectares of land, with plans to plant about 40 lakh saplings. These efforts will include assisted natural regeneration, artificial regeneration, and the beating up of casualties. Special attention will be given to soil and moisture conservation through the construction of structures like DRSM (Dry Raised Sandalwood Mounds), crates, and water harvesting structures. The proposal also includes planting local species and indigenous fodder species to enhance fodder availability for livestock.
The Wildlife Protection Department has also proposed several key initiatives for wildlife conservation, including improvements to wildlife habitats, water and soil conservation works, management of protected areas, and the establishment and maintenance of animal rescue centers. Furthermore, the APOs will include eco-development activities and the creation of wildlife-related infrastructure.
After a thorough discussion of all aspects of the proposed APOs, the Executive Committee approved the proposal for a total outlay of Rs. 157 crore for the 2025-26 financial year. The proposal will now be forwarded to the Steering Committee and the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Government of India, for final approval.
The meeting was attended by senior officers from the Forest and allied departments, including the Chief Wildlife Warden, APCCF (P&P), Financial Advisor & CAO, and other special invitees.
 and Head of Forest Force (HoFF) of Jammu and Kashmir Forest Department, Suresh Kumar Gupta, chaired the 36th meeting of the Executive Committee){kind=link}