Ganderbal, June 12, KNT: Forest enclosures established at considerable public expense in the Sonamarg tourist resort of Ganderbal district are reportedly falling into disrepair, raising concerns about the effectiveness of afforestation efforts and the protection of newly planted saplings.
Local residents and stakeholders allege that several enclosures created by the Forest Department under plantation and forest conservation programs have gradually turned into grazing grounds for livestock after large portions of the fencing collapsed.
The issue has come to the fore near Fish Point in Sonamarg, where an enclosure spread over hundreds of hectares was established to protect plantation sites from grazing and environmental damage. Residents claim that while thousands of saplings were planted inside the protected area, much of the fencing has now deteriorated, allowing unrestricted entry of livestock.
According to locals, the damaged fencing has undermined the very purpose for which the enclosure was created, with grazing animals frequently entering the area and affecting plantation growth.
The concerns assume significance at a time when the administration and various departments are emphasizing plantation drives and environmental conservation initiatives across the region.
Stakeholders alleged that despite substantial expenditure on the creation of such enclosures, maintenance has remained inadequate and damaged sections of fencing have not been restored. They said only scattered saplings can now be seen in some parts of the enclosure, while many plantation areas have suffered due to lack of protection.
Sources familiar with the matter attributed the problem partly to a shortage of field staff within the Forest Department, making regular monitoring and maintenance of enclosures difficult.
Stakeholders have urged the authorities to conduct an assessment of the condition of forest enclosures in the area, repair damaged fencing and ensure adequate manpower for the protection of plantation sites.
They argued that unless timely corrective measures are taken, significant investments made in afforestation projects could fail to achieve their intended environmental objectives. [KNT]
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