1. The Social Forestry Project has been engaged in multifarious activities in J & K State since 1982. The activities of the Project in Trikutta Hills were initiated in 1986 following the constitution of " Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board " when other schemes for the development and beautification of Shrine areas were also started to cater to the needs of lakhs of devotees visiting the Shrine every year. Though the Social Forestry work started in 1986, the funds were not sufficient to meet the specific problems of the Shrine areas. There is a lot of soil erosion and fire hazard, which needs very expert handling.

2. The SMVD Shrine Board areas have been deforested and under severe erosion every year there are incidents of fire during summer which has resulted in absence of regeneration to the existing crop. The scrub forest is under heavy biotic pressure and almost devoid of any tree growth. Aesthetically the hillside grows repulsive whereas it should have had fascinating panoramic view had it been thickly forested.

3. The general relief of the watershed may be defined as rolling. The area is deeply rugged and cut and has steep slopes, which affects both disposal of water and soil loss. The average elevation varies from 600 m. to 2200 m.; the depth of soil also varies from shallow on hill tops and steep hill slopes to deep at the bottom of the Valleys. Excessive weathering has exposed the rock on steep and precipitous hill slopes. The coarse grained and gritty soils on some hill slopes are susceptible to severe erosion. There is tremendous problem erosion with consequent high yield of sediment. At many places gritty formation has taken place and innumerable landslides are existing.

4. Recently the Social Forestry Project has submitted a project to National Wasteland Development Board for financing a Project, which among other areas in Anji and Pai Nallas also aims at improving the improved environment for the pilgrims in particular. Besides catering to the needs of fuel wood and fodder for farmers of the neighboring areas.

5.With the objectives and depending upon the magnitude of the problem, the major thrust of the Social Forestry Management plan is on the afforestation of bare hill slopes, control of grazing by erecting fence line in shrine areas so that grazing is eliminated. At the same time people from adjoining villages will continue to get grasses under " cut and carry " system. Besides this the quantity and quality will also be improved and stall-feeding promoted.

6.The soil conservation measures will include plugging of gullies with check walls, Vegetative check dams to avoid further widening and side scouring of gullies. Besides, crate work will be done in deep gullies and nallas to stop their meandering and causing further erosion. Constructing diversion channels and stabilizing landslides with vegetative cuttings will do slide control work.

7.The entire forest area is subject to frequent forest fires. The fire control works envisage construction of fire line cum inspection path along contours, its regular clearing for the purpose of segregating different areas in the event of fire. A swift mobility of fire fighting men will be established. Besides this voluntary cooperation of devotees is also sought to take precautions against lighting fire and sounding alert daring summer season.

Issued by

Directorate of

Social Forestry Project

Jammu & Kashmir State