meeting that plantation activities have witnessed a major surge after 2020, with annual plantation figures increasing substantially. Against an average annual plantation of nearly 46.60 lakh saplings during the last sixteen years, more than 67 lakh saplings were planted during 2020-21 and consistently high plantation targets have been maintained thereafter.
He further informed that during the financial year 2025-26 alone, over 40.35 lakh saplings and planting bags were utilized for afforestation and ecological restoration works. Elaborating on soil and moisture conservation interventions, he stated that since 2010-11, more than 5.13 lakh cubic metres of Dry Rubble Stone Masonry (DRSM) works and over 30,927 cubic metres of crate structures have been executed under CAMPA activities for slope stabilization and improving water retention capacity in fragile forest landscapes. Additionally, 1,732 water harvesting structures and ponds have been constructed for moisture conservation and groundwater recharge in vulnerable areas.
The presentation further highlighted that extensive fencing and protection measures have been undertaken for safeguarding newly established plantations and regeneration sites. Over 374.78 lakh running feet of fencing has been erected and 1,47,623 boundary pillars installed across Jammu and Kashmir for demarcation and protection of forest land.
The Chief Secretary was also informed that extensive catchment area treatment and biodiversity management works are being carried out in hydroelectric project areas including Pakal Dul Hydroelectric Project, Kiru Hydroelectric Project, Kwar Hydroelectric Project, Ratle Hydroelectric Project and Shahpur Kandi Project.
These interventions include afforestation, slope stabilization, pasture development, fire prevention measures, wildlife habitat improvement, eco-development activities and construction of inspection paths, bridges and biodiversity parks.
The meeting was further apprised that wildlife conservation infrastructure has also been significantly strengthened under CAMPA through expansion of rescue centres, development of biodiversity parks, construction of visitor interpretation centres, anti-poaching infrastructure and improvement of wildlife habitats in ecologically sensitive regions including Kishtwar High Altitude National Park.
The presentation also highlighted that substantial infrastructure has been created for strengthening field-level forest management and protection mechanisms. This includes construction of 42 Range Offices, 56 Block Offices, 22 Check Posts, 48 Guard Huts, 12 Chowkidar Huts and 17 Inspection Huts in remote forest areas for improving mobility, monitoring and protection capabilities of frontline staff.
The Chief Secretary was informed that monitoring of CAMPA works is being undertaken through geo-tagging of projects, public disclosure on e-Green Watch portals, regular inspections and third-party evaluations. The third-party evaluation conducted for works executed during FY 2022-23 recorded an overall survival rate of more than 51 percent across plantation sites in Jammu and Kashmir.
While acknowledging the physical achievements registered by the Forest Department under CAMPA, the Chief Secretary emphasized the need for further improving survival rates of plantations, strengthening scientific monitoring mechanisms and enhancing community participation in afforestation programmes.
He directed the department to focus on sustainable ecological restoration, protection of degraded and vulnerable forest landscapes and creation of durable ecological assets for ensuring long-term environmental resilience in Jammu and Kashmir.