Ladakh and HFRI sign MoU for forest cover development in region

Union Territory of Ladakh and Himalayan Forest Research Institute (HFRI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for forest cover development in the region. UT Principal Secretary Dr. Pawan Kotwal and HFRI Director Dr. SS Samant signed the MoU in Leh today.

On the occasion, Dr Pawan Kotwal said, MoU is an advisory arrangement without any financial and legal implications. HFRI is an expertise research institute to help Ladakh towards Carbon neutrality. He said, Increase in forest cover temperatures and melting of glaciers.

HFRI would study and identify the suitable plant varieties to increase the forest cover in Ladakh and also help in capacity building with training programmes at grass root level. Depending on the requirement a regional HFRI centre in Ladakh is also in plan.

Ladakh has a target of 20 thousand hectares forest cover, initially in the urban areas to utilize technology and manpower. Depending on the success the forestation programme will be implemented in remote areas.

Leh Chief Conservator of Forests PP Singh said, considering the atmospheric factors increasing the forest cover are a necessity. He said, MoU with HFRI would take steps forward to increase the forest cover in Ladakh.