RAMBAN, DEC 17: On the direction of the Minister for Forests, Environment and Ecology Ch. Lal Singh a mega plantation drive was launched by Ravi Kesar, PCCF J&K in the Chenab Circle from Jawahar tunnel to Patnitop where large number of Deodar, Kail and fruit plants were planted in the forest areas besides Chinar trees at vital locations. All the field staff of entire Chenab Circle which included Bhaderwah , Doda , Kishtwar , Ramban , Batote , Marwah and other areas took part in the day long mega plantation drive which will continue during winter season in other areas of Chenab Circle also. Plantation drive was started from compartment 47/B at Jawahar tunnel where PCCF Kick started the mega plantation drive by planting a Deodar sapling. The plantation was carried at seven locations in tunnel area in the closures created by the Forest Division Ramban and Social Forestry Division Ramban besides plantation in compartment no. 10-C/B and 94/D at Patnitop was also carried . All the field staff of Forest, Social Forestry, Wildlife Protection Deptt. Forest Protection Deptt and SFC also took part in the plantation drive. Fruit plants were specially planted in the upper reaches as food material for wildlife. Addressing a largely attended gathering near Jawahar Tunnel area Ravi Kesar PCCF forest department said that forest any its allied wings under the dynamic and strong leadership of Forests Minister Ch.Lal Singh has taken a pledge to rejuvenate the degraded Forest area’s of Jammu and Kashmir. He also informed that nearly 7.24 lack saplings of Deodar,Kail, Chir and other fruit plants are being planted in the entire Chenab Circle during the current winter planting season in highly degraded areas to make them green so that the overall environment of the Chenab valley is improved. He stressed upon officers and other field staff to work with zeal and dedication to protect every plant planted in the field. PCCF appreciated the whole staff for their hard work in such hostile weather conditions. He also conveyed the message of Forests Minister of his mission of making Jammu and Kashmir a green state by raising plantation at every nook and corner of the state. En route PCCF also inspected Range Office Banihal forest Range and issued directions of the staff. Other officers who took part in the mega plantation drive by planting Deodar saplings include Suresh Gupta, MD j&k SFC, B M Sharma, Director SFRI, T B Singh, Conservator of Forests Chenab Circle, all territorial DFOs of Chenab Circle, DFO social Forestry Div Ramban, Dy. Director FPF Batote, Wildlife Warden Kishtwar- Ramban, DM SFC Ramban besides other staff.