In Jammu and Kashmir, Forest Minister Javed Rana stated that the government will intensify its efforts to strengthen forest conservation, biodiversity protection, and eco-tourism across the Union Territory in the upcoming fiscal year. Akashvani Jammu correspondent reports that under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ (One Tree for Mother Earth) initiative, 71.77 lakh saplings have been planted across the Union Territory by January 2026. Furthermore, one crore saplings will be planted with active public participation in the 2026-27 fiscal year. The Minister announced that one crore saplings will be planted with active community participation during the next financial year. He also highlighted other key initiatives, including the completion of surveys and demarcation of forest areas, the identification and development of new forest trekking routes and eco-huts, and the promotion of eco-tourism in identified locations through local involvement. Emphasizing that wetland conservation remains a priority, with 260 wetlands mapped using GIS and remote sensing, the Minister stated that the revival of the Wular Lake, a Ramsar site, in Bandipora district, involving the dredging of 5 sq km and the afforestation of 2,952 hectares, has benefited more than 5,200 fishermen. Rana also emphasized that wildlife conservation measures have covered 11.5 per cent of the UT's area, with more than 3,000 animals rescued and Rs 214 crore in compensation disbursed for human-wildlife conflict. The Minister also stated that J&K continues to be carbon-positive, with air quality improvement measures resulting in a 18.5 per cent reduction in PM10 in Jammu and a 41.3 per cent reduction in Srinagar.