JAMMU, JULY 28: Climate Front Jammu (CFJ) on Saturday organized a major protest near Maharaja Hari Singh park in Jammu district, highlighting the need to protect the Damagundam Forest in Telangana and the Raika Forest in Jammu. The event saw a significant turnout of concerned citizens, environmentalists, and local community members, all united in their call to safeguard these critical ecosystems from deforestation and development threats.
“Damagundam Forest in Telangana” is facing severe threats from illegal logging and proposed development projects. This forest is home to diverse flora and fauna and plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of the region, said, founder CFJ, Anmol Ohri.
Ohri said that Raika Forest in Jammu is similarly under threat from rapid urbanization and unsustainable development practices, this forest is vital not only for its biodiversity but also for its role in providing essential ecosystem services to the local communities.
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The protesters called for an immediate stop to all deforestation activities in both the Damagundam and Raika Forests to prevent further degradation of these vital ecosystems. They highlighted the need for stringent enforcement of existing environmental laws and the implementation of new regulations to protect these forests from illegal activities.
CFJ urged the authorities to adopt sustainable development practices that prioritize environmental conservation and ensure the long-term health of these forests. The protest emphasized the importance of involving local communities in conservation efforts, recognizing their traditional knowledge and role as stewards of the land.
“The destruction of our forests is a crisis that affects us all, no matter where we are. The Damagundam Forest in Telangana and the Raika Forest in Jammu are both critical to our nation’s ecological health. We must act now to protect them,” said a protester.
CFJ called on all citizens to join the movement and stand up for the Damagundam and Raika Forests. The organization plans to continue its efforts through various initiatives, including awareness campaigns, community engagement, and legal action if necessary.
