By | Dr Ashfaq Ahmad
Kupwara Karnah :The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) and Head of Forest Force (HoFF), J&K, Shri S. K. Gupta, undertook an extensive tour of the Karnah Range under the Kehmil Forest Division Kupwara today, to inspect various infrastructure projects, review forestry works and interact with field staff and locals .
The PCCF inspected the Forest Rest House (FRH) TP near Bungus Valley and the Sadhna Top forest area, assessing the protection and maintenance of key forest assets. He also reviewed the status of boundary pillars installation and Soil Conservation works being executed in various places in Karnah, emphasizing the need for robust forest demarcation and Soil and moisture conservation measures. Further inspections were carried out at the Block Officer’s (BO) Hut at Teetwal. He also inspected and reviewed the Trek route development from Teetwal point to Simari,last village in Karnah .
PCCF gave directions for development of Ecopark in Karnah and upgradation of Forest Rest House Teetwal .
The visit also included a review of greening initiatives, particularly the progress on the plantation in various Compartments like Co 21/kh, 32/kh and 33/ Kh and beautification drive around religious places of importance, including the Sharda Peeth temple in Teetwal and the Jamia Masjid in Karnah.
During his visit, the PCCF held interactions with Army Commanders stationed in the area, seeking their continued support and collaboration for accelerating greening and plantation activities, particularly in vulnerable and border areas.
While reviewing the progress of strategic roads, border area tourism, and pilgrim tourism, Shri Gupta underscored the role of the Forest Department in facilitating sustainable development without compromising ecological integrity.
Addressing the forest staff, the PCCF directed them to adopt a people-friendly administrative approach and focus on sustainable forest development, ensuring the local community benefits from forest conservation and eco-tourism initiatives.The Conservator of Forests North Circle Sh Irfan Ali Shah briefed the PCCF about the Ecotourism and Greening initiatives taken in the area under various development schemes in recent months.
The PCCF was accompanied by a team of senior officers, including Shri Irfan Rasool, Chief Conservator of Forests, Kashmir; Shri Irfan Ali Shah, Conservator of Forests, North Circle; Shri Faisal Farooq, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Kehmil Forest Division; the Deputy Director, Forest Protection Force (FPF), Kehmil; Shri Shamsul Haq, Range Officer, Karnah; Shri Javed, Range Officer, Ramhall; and other Block Forest Officers.
