New Delhi, Dec 2: The Union government on Tuesday said Jammu and Kashmir continues to be one of the implementing regions of the country under the National Mission for a Green India (GIM) with afforestation and ecosystem restoration activities undertaken in selected landscapes during the last five years.
In a written reply to Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Kirti Vardhan Singh said that GIM, operational since 2015-16, aims to protect, restore and enhance forest and tree cover while contributing to climate change mitigation and adaptation.
As per the state-wise Annual Plans of Operation (APO) approved in the last five years, Jammu and Kashmir recorded 7,571 hectares under advance work, 5,423 hectares under creation and 3,652 hectares under maintenance, with the total cost of approved APOs at Rs 84.61 crore.
The Mission is one of the eight under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) and is currently implemented in 17 states and one Union Territory, including Jammu and Kashmir.
According to the government, funds are released subject to the submission of utilisation certificates, progress reports and compliance with Single Nodal Agency guidelines by the concerned state government.
For Jammu and Kashmir, the funds allocated or released stood at rupees 36.72 crore, of which rupees 33.50 crore has been utilised, covering a total eco-restoration area of 1,778 hectares.
The reply did not provide district-wise details for J&K. It said overall state-wise data on the areas taken up for eco-restoration is annexed for reference.
The Minister stated that delays or variations in approvals or fund disbursements depend on compliance by states with the Ministry of Finance procedures, including financial reporting and document submission.
Responding to a query on steps to ensure adequate funding for the Mission and livelihood benefits for forest-dependent communities, the government said the Ministry is prioritising vulnerable and degraded landscapes and strengthening convergence with ongoing schemes.
It also highlighted awareness and public participation activities through mass plantation drives during events such as World Environment Day, International Day of Forests and Van Mahotsav.
The reply reiterated that forest conservation and management are primarily the responsibility of state governments and UT administrations under legal frameworks, including the Indian Forest Act, 1927, the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980, and relevant state laws. (KNO)
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