Handwara, Aug 20 (KNS): The North Kashmir Forest Circle on Thursday organised a series of tribal public darbars across the Rajwar and Mawar ranges of Langate Forest Division to address grievances and review development issues concerning forest-dependent communities.
The outreach programme was chaired by Conservator of Forests, North Circle Sopore, Irfan Ali Shah, and was held at Galgaza Zachaldara in Rajwar forests and Reshwari tribal village in Nowgam, Mawar.
Tribal representatives and residents from Sathkoji, Yemlar, Wadder, Rajpora and adjoining areas participated in the public interactions.
A key focus of the darbars was the resolution of pending claims under the Forest Rights Act, 2006. The forest administration reiterated its commitment to ensuring statutory rights of tribal communities through transparent and participatory processes.
Shah heard grievances and demands raised by tribal representatives and issued directions to concerned officials for strengthening infrastructure and livelihood opportunities in the tribal areas.
He directed officials to develop ecotourism infrastructure in Monbal Mawar and Sathkoji Rajwar, including trekking routes, viewpoints, rain shelters, Forest Rest Houses and ecoparks.
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Directions were also issued for improvement of forest infrastructure at Reshwari and Nowgam and upgradation of Kashtawaar Forest Huts along the route to Bungus Valley. The CoF further called for development of eco-cabins in Bungus Valley.
During an inspection of the Model Forest Check Post in Handwara, Shah directed officials to establish a Van Dhan Kendra to provide a dedicated platform for promoting organic and indigenous tribal products and supporting local livelihoods.
The tribal representatives thanked the Forest Department for taking the administration to their doorstep and welcomed the on-the-spot directions issued to address their concerns.
They also appreciated the proposed ecotourism initiatives and walnut-based livelihood programmes in the tribal areas.
DFO Langate Forest Division Ihjaj Pajwari conducted the proceedings and thanked the tribal communities for their continued support to the department's development programmes.
Officials from the Revenue Administration, Forest Protection Force, Tourism Department, Army, Forest Department and other line departments participated in the public darbars.(KNS).