In Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah visited the hilly district of Shopian yesterday. The Chief Minister laid foundation of Forest Awareness Centre and inaugurated the plantation drive at Shadab area of the district. Speaking on the occasion he called for all out efforts for massive aforrestation terming it significantly important maintenance of ecology and natural beauty of the state. More from our correspondent:AIR correspondent Jan Nisar reports that “Addressing a public gathering at the foundation laying ceremony and inauguration of plantation drive the Chief Minister said that erratic changes in the climate witnessed during recent years have damaged the rich forest wealth in the state. He said we have to launch an afforestation programme with enthusiasm and realize it successfully as a mission. He said the population near the forests has all the more edged responsibility in protecting and preserving the plant wealth. Later on Chief Minister in the Circuit House Shopian attended public darbar and on spot directions to the officers of different departments were given for the redressal of the problems of the people. People from all walks of life including traders federation Shopian, fruit growers association, Maraz Cultural Sangam came to meet the Chief Minister. “