The Aryavarth Express
Udhampur (Jammu and Kashmir): The Forest Department in Udhampur district has launched a large-scale plantation campaign under the ‘Green Udhampur’ initiative to restore forest areas damaged by flash floods and heavy rainfall in August 2025.
The natural calamity had caused extensive loss of forest cover and damage to revenue land. In response, the department’s central nurseries in the Mand and Pangra areas have cultivated more than 80,000 saplings for distribution, focusing primarily on flood-affected zones. Fast-growing species, including eucalyptus, are being planted to accelerate ecological recovery.
Range Officer Ayush Gupta said the department acted promptly after the disaster, with senior officials issuing guidelines to engage local communities and mitigate environmental damage. He noted that awareness campaigns were conducted to encourage residents to participate in plantation efforts.
“Significant damage was caused to forest and revenue land due to flash floods. We organised outreach programmes and motivated people to plant trees. Around 80,000 to 85,000 saplings have been distributed, with special focus on the worst-affected areas,” Gupta said.
The drive also includes public awareness initiatives aimed at strengthening community participation in rebuilding the district’s green cover.
Meanwhile, other parts of Jammu and Kashmir are witnessing similar green and horticultural initiatives. In Rajouri district, farmers are increasingly shifting from traditional cereal cultivation to ultra-high-density fruit farming.
Local farmer Irshad Ahmad said several plantations have been established in the region, showing promising growth. He highlighted the development of greenhouses and nurseries, along with the cultivation of pears and walnuts under high-density farming techniques. He urged more residents to join and benefit from the initiative.
Horticulture Development Officer Anil Sharma noted that returns from maize and other conventional crops have been limited. He said progressive farmers adopting high-density fruit cultivation are earning better incomes, and added that awareness visits are being conducted to educate more farmers about the benefits of modern horticultural practices.
