Kashmir Impulse Desk

Budgam, May 30

Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Khansahib, Jahangir Ahmed Giri, on Saturday visited the Forest Range Office and Range Nursery at Raithan to review the availability of nursery stock and preparedness for the upcoming monsoon plantation drives in the sub-division.

During the visit, the SDM inspected the stock of conifer saplings, including Deodar, Kail, and Fir, and appreciated the maintenance of around 95,000 healthy saplings in the nursery.

He stressed the importance of ensuring quality plantation and proper care of saplings to enhance green cover in the area.

The SDM also held a meeting with Range Officer Raithan, Ghulam Rasool, and field staff to review arrangements for the forthcoming holy month of Muharram. He directed the department to ensure timely availability of firewood for Shia-dominated villages as per past practice. The Range Officer assured that adequate stocks of firewood would be reserved and distributed in consultation with local Auqaf Committees.

The Range Officer informed the SDM that approximately 15,000 saplings have been planted during 2025-26 in various forest compartments and villages under plantation drives conducted as part of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, with active participation of PRIs and local youth.