The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF), Suresh Kumar Gupta, inaugurated a technical workshop on November 1, aimed at preparing the Annual Plan of Operations (APOs) for the 2026-27 financial year. The event took place at NIC Dachigam and sought to guide implementing agencies in creating scientifically based, outcome-focused, and community-oriented plans.
During the workshop, PCCF Gupta highlighted the importance of engaging local panchayats in the planning process to ensure that community needs for resources such as fodder, medicinal plants, firewood, and other forest products are addressed through CAMPA plantation efforts. He also urged the formulation of proposals that align with established working plan guidelines.
Two booklets were released during the event: “CAMPA Success Stories, The Seeds of Hope” and “Forest Fire Management Plan of JV Forest Division.” Gupta emphasized the critical role of the Compensatory Afforestation Management and Funding Agency (CAMPA) in rehabilitating degraded forest areas, implementing soil and moisture conservation techniques, managing forest fires, addressing human-wildlife conflicts, and preserving biodiversity.
Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF), Kashmir, Irfan Rasool Wani, discussed the achievements of CAMPA since its launch in 2010-11. He reported that 18,000 hectares of degraded forest land have been treated, resulting in the planting of 22.5 million quality saplings. Furthermore, the Forest Department has established 56 nurseries capable of producing 7.5 million conifer and broadleaf plants annually.
Wani emphasized the need to enhance sapling survival rates, focusing on economically viable species, diversification of tree types, and the modernization of nursery operations.
Dr K.S. Jaychandran, the Chief Executive Officer of CAMPA, advised the agencies to develop technically sound APOs within set timelines, prioritizing greening initiatives, soil conservation, and related activities. He encouraged forest officials to adopt a landscape and watershed approach to forest management.
The workshop also featured presentations of various success stories from CAMPA by Conservators of Forests from different circles. Field officers, including District Forest Officers (DFOs), contributed insights on quality plant production, modern nursery management practices, the development of muck dumping sites, forest fire management, wildlife habitat improvement, and strategies for managing human-animal conflicts.
Concluding the workshop, a panel discussion allowed participating officers from various departments, including the Forest Protection Force, Social Forestry, Wildlife, and other related sectors, to engage in dialogue about the future of forest management.
