Baramulla, Nov 9 (KNS): Conservator of Forests, North Forest Circle, Irfan Ali Shah on Monday inspected various forest areas, ongoing developmental works, plantation sites and ecotourism locations across Jhelum Valley Forest Division, Baramulla, and stressed the need to promote sustainable tourism and community-based livelihood opportunities.

Accompanied by Divisional Forest Officer, Jhelum Valley Forest Division, Zahid Aslam Moghal, Range Officers and other field functionaries, Shah conducted an extensive inspection of forest areas in Baramulla and Boniyar ranges.

During the visit, the Conservator emphasised the development of eco-parks, nature trails and eco-trails at suitable locations in Baramulla and Boniyar. He reviewed the ecotourism potential of Kawhar and adjoining forest areas, including a proposal for an Eco-Park at Kawhar.

He stressed that tourism facilities should be developed without disturbing the natural character of forests while creating recreational opportunities for visitors and livelihood avenues for local communities.

Shah also inspected the ongoing development of an Eco-Park in Compartment 77, Heevan Block, Baramulla Range, and directed officials to ensure that all works were undertaken in an environmentally sustainable manner.

He reviewed proposed compensatory afforestation sites at Gohan Ladi Forest in Ushkara Block and other areas of Baramulla Range, including fencing arrangements, boundary demarcation and plantation plans.

The Conservator also inspected the Deodar Preservation Plot in Heevan Block, which has more than 650 identified trees, and stressed the need to protect valuable coniferous forest resources.

At Galibal Forest Check Post, he reviewed forest protection infrastructure and called for strengthening field surveillance and improving essential facilities.

In Boniyar Range, Shah inspected Gantmulla, Burnate and Shaldajan forests and reviewed boundary demarcation and protection measures, including areas adjoining the Lift Irrigation Scheme and FDC Coupe.

At Boniyar Forest Campus, he formally marked the commencement of the winter plantation season through a fruit plant distribution programme among local residents, emphasising community participation in plantation and environmental conservation.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

He also reviewed the preparedness of the Forest Fire Control Room at Boniyar, where officials demonstrated firefighting equipment and briefed him on arrangements for early detection and response to forest fires.

At Boniyar Forest Nursery, officials presented around 10 to 12 varieties of seeds intended for raising nursery stock. Shah directed improvements in nursery management, including species-wise segregation, proper labelling and cultivation of medicinal and locally suitable plant species.

He also reviewed proposals for improving the Range Office and Forest Inspection Hut at Boniyar and inspected proposed plantation sites where six compensatory afforestation units are planned during the current financial year.

During his visit to Dudran, a remote village in Boniyar Range, the Conservator interacted with residents and explored the possibility of developing the village as a model eco-village.

The proposed initiative envisages community-based ecotourism through identification of camping sites, development of nature trails, establishment of an eco-park and promotion of homestay facilities in collaboration with local households.

Shah appreciated the traditional methods adopted by villagers to preserve milk and dairy products through naturally insulated underground storage chambers and directed officials to explore permissible measures to support and improve these facilities.

He also directed field officers to explore the provision of space at the Van Dhan Kendra outlet in Baramulla for marketing value-added products from Dudran to strengthen local livelihoods.

Later, the Conservator inspected Vankara Biodiversity Park in Doabgah Range and reviewed its infrastructure, plantation areas, medicinal plant sections and visitor facilities. He stressed proper maintenance of the park, improvement of landscaping and strengthening of medicinal plant conservation activities. (KNS)