Kupwara, Oct 26 (KNS): Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) and Head of Forest Force (HoFF), Jammu and Kashmir, Sarvesh Rai, undertook a two-day tour of North Kashmir on October 25 and 26 to review developmental works, forest protection measures, eco-tourism initiatives and infrastructure development across forest divisions of the North Forest Circle.

On the first day of the tour, the PCCF visited JV Forest Division, Baramulla, where he inaugurated the Trumgund Forest Check Post and inspected the ongoing construction work of the DFO office at Baramulla. He subsequently visited Langate Forest Division, where he laid the foundation stone for the second storey of the DFO office at Langate and inspected the Reshwari Eco-Tourism site.

During the visit, the PCCF emphasised the importance of developing eco-tourism in a planned and sustainable manner, with a focus on responsible visitor management, conservation of natural landscapes and creation of livelihood opportunities for local communities.

The tour further covered eco-tourism works in Bangus Valley, where the PCCF took stock of ongoing eco-development initiatives in the Dringyari–Bungus area and reviewed the progress of works being undertaken to promote responsible eco-tourism and enhance visitor amenities.

Emphasising effective implementation, he directed the concerned officers to ensure the timely and quality completion of all ongoing projects. He also stressed the need to strengthen forest protection measures, enhance field-level preparedness and intensify preventive interventions in view of the forthcoming forest fire season.

At Lakut Bangus, the PCCF inspected the Forest Staff Quarters and Jungle Training Centre and released “Mountain Trails of Kehmil,” a publication highlighting trekking routes and nature-based tourism opportunities in Kehmil Forest Division. He also inaugurated the Range Office at Ramhall. The office will strengthen field-level administration and coordination, enabling more effective monitoring of forest resources and implementation of protection and developmental activities in the range.

Later in the evening, the PCCF visited the Army Headquarters at Zangli, Kupwara, where he held an interactive session with the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Army’s 28 Infantry Division and other Army officers. Discussions included forest diversion proposals associated with Army requirements and their progress.

On the second day, the PCCF visited Kamraj Forest Division, Kupwara, to review field-level infrastructure, forest protection preparedness, livelihood initiatives and conservation-related activities. The visit commenced at Batpora Block, where he inaugurated the Block Officers’ Hut, a facility catering to three forest beats comprising 16 compartments. The infrastructure is expected to strengthen field coordination, monitoring and protection of forest resources.

The PCCF subsequently visited Nagriwari Eco-Park at Hatmulla, where he inaugurated the Van Posh Mela, showcasing the linkages between forest conservation, traditional skills, local livelihoods and eco-tourism. A 1.5-kilometre student trekking route was also inaugurated, and students were flagged off for the trek to promote environmental awareness and appreciation of the region’s natural heritage.

During the programme, the PCCF initiated Resham Vann, a mulberry plantation initiative within an existing plantation closure, aimed at promoting location-specific livelihoods through mulberry cultivation and potential linkages with Bamboo and Mulberry Clusters (BMCs). He also inspected thematic stalls showcasing traditional crafts and products made from locally sourced raw materials, including Indigofera-based crafts, wood carving and pottery.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelCraftspersons demonstrated the use of tools provided under the livelihood initiative of the Green India Mission (GIM), highlighting opportunities for traditional skill development, value addition and income generation.

Poplar saplings were also distributed among beneficiaries under the Social Forestry Department’s agroforestry programme to encourage tree cultivation on private and agricultural lands.

Students from local schools presented an environmental debate and skit highlighting the importance of forest conservation and biodiversity protection. Appreciating their awareness and understanding of environmental issues, the PCCF felicitated the participating students and encouraged them to continue promoting conservation awareness in their communities.

A tribal heritage presentation showcased the traditional lifestyle, culture and indigenous practices of local tribal communities. Traditional beverages and a customary tribal dwelling, locally known as a Dhoka, were demonstrated, highlighting their potential to enrich eco-tourism experiences. Such structures could also serve as guidance points, rain shelters and camping facilities along trekking routes, creating livelihood opportunities while preserving tribal heritage, subject to appropriate planning and environmental safeguards.

The PCCF also attended a forest fire mock drill organised by Kamraj Forest Division to assess preparedness for the ensuing fire season. The forest fire control team demonstrated firefighting equipment, response procedures and first-aid techniques for injured personnel. The exercise highlighted the importance of timely response, field coordination, equipment readiness and staff training in mitigating forest fires.

Later, the PCCF released the Forest Protection Plan of Kamraj Forest Division for 2026–27, outlining the division’s priorities and planned interventions for strengthening forest surveillance, preventing forest offences and safeguarding forest resources. He also released the booklet “A Portrait of Paradise – The Enchanting Forests of Lolab Valley,” documenting the valley’s ecological richness and the Forest Department’s interventions in forest conservation, restoration, plantation development and eco-tourism promotion.

The two-day tour highlighted the Forest Department’s focus on strengthening field infrastructure, improving forest protection and fire preparedness, promoting sustainable livelihoods and developing responsible eco-tourism opportunities while conserving the rich ecological and cultural heritage of North Kashmir.

The PCCF was accompanied during the tour by Irfan Rasool Wani, Chief Conservator of Forests, Kashmir; Dr. M. K. Kumar, Chief Conservator of Forests, Central; Irfan Ali Shah, Conservator of Forests, North Circle; Rafi Ahmed Bhat, Joint Director, Forest Protection Force; Zahid Mughal, Divisional Forest Officer, JV Forest Division; Owais Mir, Divisional Forest Officer, Kamraj Forest Division; Ahzah Pajwari, Divisional Forest Officer, Langate Forest Division; Faisal Farooq, Divisional Forest Officer, Kehmil Forest Division; Noorul Amin, Divisional Manager, Forest Development Corporation; Bilal Mir, Divisional Forest Officer, Social Forestry; Jan Mohd, Deputy Director, Forest Protection Force, Kehmil; and Javed Sheikh, Deputy Director, Forest Protection Force, besides Range Officers of the Forest Department and Assistant Directors of the Forest Protection Force.(KNS)