KATHUA: Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Dr. Mohit Gera, accompanied by Director Soil & Water Conservation Department J&K P.K Singh today visited Kathua and Samba for inspection of field activities of Soil & water Conservation Department under CAMPA.
Joint Director Soil & Water Conservation Department Jammu Abhijeet Joshi, DFO Social Forestry Kathua, Rahul Singh and other Forest Officers and staff were also present.
At Kathua, the PCCF inspected the various works including up-gradation and restoration of old ponds at Chandwan and Lachipora. The team also inspected the Maggar Khad Nallah bank stabilization crate works.
The innovative low cost water storage pond using Silpaulin sheet being developed by the Department was also inspected and appreciated. The visiting team advised the concerned officers to ascertain its efficacy and usefulness so that such ponds could be made at other locations to benefit the local people as well for the benefit for Wildlife.
The visiting team also inspected Chiral landslide area of about 90 hecter which is being proposed for restoration and stabilization under CAMPA for the year 2021-22. The concerned officials were directed to ridge to valley approach using google maps while formulating the proposal for restoration and stabilization of the area.
On the occasion, Field officers were directed to actively involve the Village Panchayats for management of the up-graded and restored ponds and work out a mechanism under which the rejuvenated ponds can be handed over to them.
Earlier, at Samba, the team inspected Salio di dabari, closure at Nud and appreciated the treatment adopted by the Department on watershed basis treating gullies through biological means like brushwood check Dams and minor engineering works and carrying out plantation on the contours and open areas.