Conservator of Forests reviews functioning of Forest Department in Kulgam

Directs for Ecotourism promotion, rejuvenation of Amrit Sarovars and implementation of Forest Rights Act

Directs for Ecotourism promotion, rejuvenation of Amrit Sarovars and implementation of Forest Rights Act

Srinagar July 15 (KNS):  Conservator of Forests, South Kashmir Shri Irfan Ali Shah today reviewed functioning of Forest Department in Kulgam Forest Division to take stock of preparations for implementation of various developmental works being executed during the current financial year in District Kulgam. DFO Kulgam Syed Waseem Gull,Assistant Conservator of Forests Kulgam,Sh Iftikhar Ahmad and all Range officers of District Kulgam attended the meeting.

 
The Conservator of Forests laid stress on making progress on approved deliverables for the Forest Department for the current year. He stressed on conservation, management and development of water bodies under Mission Amrit Sarovars inside forests and directed for maintaining these waterbodies for the benefit of people and forests. He emphasized on institutionalizing and adapting of "Van se Jal aur Jal se Jeevan" concepts. DFO Kulgam was directed to prepare for ceremonial plantation drives to be carried out at the identified Amrit Sarovar sites on 15th August, 2022 involving all stakeholders including PRIs.
 
The deliverable under theme “Qabza Mukht Janglaat” was also discussed.CoF directed for taking immediate necessary steps for retrieval of all encroached Forest land in District Kulgam in a time bound manner and booking of encroachers under the provisions of Indian Forest Act.
 
The Conservator of Forests also directed for identifying and development of new trekking routes for nature lovers and hikers.He further directed for identification of suitable sites for construction of new Forest Rest houses as well as development of Eco tenting facilities for local people as well as tourists and stressed on facilitating online bookings through awareness programs for promotion of sustainable Eco-tourism in District Kulgam.He also directed for organizing of Eco-Tourism festivals in collaboration with District Administration for promoting sustainable Eco-Tourism activities in District Kulgam.CoF also directed for accelerating steps being taken in District Kulgam for Polythene and Plastic free forests.
 
Mr Shah also reviewed Forest Protection in District Kulgam and stressed on protection of forests and dealing with habitual forest damagers/timber smugglers with iron hand. The Officers were directed to maintain proper coordination to deal with the protection scenario especially in the remote areas of Kulgam so as to ensure zero tolerance towards illicit forest damages.
 
Under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme “Green India Mission”,the CoF directed for Creation of Livelihoods through Self Help Groups and Women empowerment groups. DFO Kulgam was also directed to organize an outreach programme on creating of livelihoods , in consultation with the District Administration and experts and officers from National Livelihoods Mission. He said alternate fuel energy and livelihoods support kits shall be provided to forest fringe communities especially Tribal communities under this mission. He also directed for initiating Forest based livelihood support programe to address poverty related issues especially of Tribal and forest fringe communities.
 
The Conservator of Forests directed Divisional Forest Officer,Kulgam for expediting the process of scrutinizing both individual as well as Community claims under Forest Rights Act, 2006. He stressed on protection of rights and interests of Tribal Communities including Gujjar, Bakerwal and Chopan communities in District Kulgam.
 
Mr Shah also inspected as well as directed for development of Bird park cum Interpretation Centre in main town Kulgam and also Theme based Environment park in Arigutnoo Forest near Kulgam town which will be an first of its kind added tourist attraction cum Environment awareness centre for District Kulgam.
 
 Late evening, the Conservator of Forests had detailed interaction with District Development Commissioner,Kulgam, Dr. Bilal Mohiuddin. Organizing of Eco-tourism festival, coordination with different agencies for forest protection, development of wood-based industries, claims under Forest Rights Act were also discussed threadbare.The Conservator of Forests thanked District Development Commissioner Kulgam for his support to the activities of Forest Department in District Kulgam.(KNS) 

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