Jammu Tawi, July 28: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday called for a balanced approach to development, stressing the urgent need to protect the environment in the face of climate change. “Climate change is real, and its signs are all around us. We must pass on our environmental heritage to future generations — if not improved, at least preserved,” he said while inaugurating the Van Mahotsav 2025 celebrations at Abhinav Theatre, Jammu.
“Let’s find joy in planting trees and gifting plants,” the Chief Minister said, urging citizens to transform Van Mahotsav into a vibrant people’s movement. Emphasizing ecological responsibility, he stated, “Development is necessary, but it must be judicious. For every tree uprooted, a hundred must be planted.”
He called for a halt to unchecked deforestation and warned against fulfilling greed under the guise of need. “Our actions today will have consequences long afterward. We need afforestation efforts that go beyond mere statistics and result in meaningful change,” he added.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment, the Chief Minister assured that the benefits of the Forest Rights Act and access to minor forest produce will be extended to all eligible beneficiaries, particularly tribal communities and forest dwellers.
Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology and Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, underscored the special role of tribal communities in forest conservation. He advocated for the Tribal Affairs Department to serve as the nodal agency for implementing the Forest Rights Act and detailed several initiatives for tribal welfare, including sustainable water conservation projects in Kandi areas through check dams, rainwater harvesting, and percolation pits.
Highlighting employment generation through forest-based livelihoods, the Minister pointed to the Van Dhan Yojana and upcoming eco-tourism initiatives such as eco treks. He also spoke about the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan, which envisions inclusive development, infrastructure improvements, and saturation of government schemes in tribal areas.
Advisor to the Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani, reflected on the symbiotic relationship between people and forests. “Forests are not just resources — they are living guardians,” he said, adding that they provide firewood, fodder, timber, and the air we breathe. He urged a revival of traditional tree-planting practices, which he described as acts of gratitude and responsibility towards nature.
Wani emphasized that the government is committed to upholding the rights of forest dwellers and protecting the forests themselves. “Development matters, but never at the cost of nature,” he asserted.
