Jammu and Kashmir Uses Cable Cars to Plant Trees in Udhampur

The Jammu and Kashmir Forest Division in Udhampur has launched an innovative project to increase forest cover using seed balls dispersed by cable cars. This initiative, part of the ‘Ek Ped Maa ke Naam’ and ‘JK Green Drive’ campaigns, targets the Gondola area in Patnitop-Kud.

Challenges and Solutions

The area’s dryness, sparse vegetation, and difficult terrain posed a challenge for traditional tree planting methods. To overcome this, forest officials used the Gondola cable car system to drop approximately 3,500 seed balls, with plans to disperse 10,000 more.

Statements from Officials

Range Officer Ashish Mahajan said, “We have dispersed around 3,500 seed balls here. We felt that there was more need for seed balls here. So, we have assured 10,000 seed balls here. We will also have a massive green drive here, under which plantation will be done.”

Udhampur Deputy Commissioner Saloni Rai added, “This drive is being undertaken before monsoons so that seeds are able to grow in a conducive environment.”

Future Prospects

This innovative approach not only promotes large-scale afforestation but also fosters biodiversity and environmental sustainability for the future.