SRINAGAR: The Conservator of Forests (CoF), South Kashmir Irfan Ali Shah inspected Pampore, Tral and Awantipora Ranges of Awantipora Forest Division.
During the inspection of Range office Pampore, the Conservator laid stress on joint collaborative working of different wings of the Forest Department including Wildlife, Forest (Territorial) and Forest Protection Force from the Joint Forest Control Room at Pampore.
He directed for increasing surveillance in the nearby forest areas and wildlife conservation reserves of Khrew and Khanmoh adjoining world famous Dachigam National Park.
The Conservator also reviewed preparedness for Forest Fire management and directed for maintenance of alert in Pampore range. He directed for keeping in readiness Gosannard – Wasturwan (Sarbal) trek route for the trekkers and nature lovers especially youth. He also stressed on making local Trekking and Hiking clubs aware of the new trek routes which have potential for Ecotourism and livelihoods generation for youth as Trek guides.
Shah also discussed the prospectus of establishing a Biodiversity Park at Khonmoh. He directed for identification of site for construction of Forest Rest House in Pampore Range for its subsequent opening for online booking for Ecotourism.
He also directed for achieving cent percent plant distribution under Har Gaon Hariyali scheme. On this occasion, he also distributed Uniform jackets amongst field staff of the Joint Control Room in presence of DFO Awantipora.
Later on, he inspected Wetlands of Pampore including Manibugh and Chatlam, Pampore along with DFO Awantipora and noted Environmental lawyer Nadeem Qadri and reviewed the progress made on dredging and weed removal in these wetlands.
He also inspected the Institutional planting site inside the campus of Government Degree College, Pampore for Greening activity. The Conservator of Forests interacted with Principal Dr Seema Naaz on issues of Green Skill Development Program (GSDP) for the college students interested in Environmental Conservation and allied sectors. He directed for greening of all educational institutions in Pampore in collaboration mode.
At Aripal and Naristaan area of Tral he also interacted and met the representatives of Tribal communities who put forth their demands. The CF listened patiently to each member of the Tribal community and gave on the spot directions to the field officers for speedy redressal of their grievances.
He along with local tribal representatives and local lady sarpanch planted a Chinar sapling.
