BANDIPORA: Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (HoFF), Jammu and Kashmir, Suresh Kumar Gupta, conducted an extensive tour of Bandipora Forest Division to review biodiversity conservation efforts and assess the progress of eco-tourism initiatives being undertaken by the Forest Department.
During the visit, the PCCF was accompanied by Conservator of Forests, Srinagar Circle, Saurabh Sharma, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Bandipora, Waseem Farooq Mir, DCF, and Range Officers from Khuihama, Gurez, and Ajas Ranges.
At Kanzalwan Park in Gurez Range, Gupta interacted with members of Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) and local representatives. The interaction focused on the implementation of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, strengthening of BMCs, and enhancing community participation in biodiversity documentation and conservation.
The PCCF appreciated the proactive role of local communities and BMC members in protecting their natural heritage. He emphasized the need to blend traditional ecological knowledge with scientific forest management for sustainable conservation outcomes.
Later, the PCCF, along with senior officers, visited the under-construction Habba Khatoon Park in Gurez, where he reviewed ongoing eco-tourism development works being executed by the Forest Department. The team inspected landscaping, fencing, and pathway construction works being carried out under the eco-tourism promotion initiative aimed at showcasing the natural beauty of Gurez Valley.
Gupta underlined the importance of developing eco-friendly tourism infrastructure that attracts visitors while ensuring livelihood generation for local communities through homestays, eco-guiding, and handicrafts, maintaining ecological balance at the same time.
Speaking on the occasion, Conservator of Forests, appreciated the efforts of Bandipora Forest Division in integrating biodiversity conservation, habitat restoration, and eco-development works, particularly in remote areas like Gurez. He also emphasized convergence with other departments to promote nature-based tourism and improve community welfare.
DFO Bandipora briefed the visiting dignitaries about various ongoing initiatives, including eco-restoration of degraded forest areas, establishment of biodiversity parks, soil and moisture conservation works, plantation drives, and development of eco-tourism sites across the division. He reiterated the department’s commitment to conserving ecological wealth while fostering sustainable livelihoods.
Range Officers of Khuihama, Gurez, and Ajas also presented updates on local conservation measures, community outreach programmes, and habitat improvement works underway in their respective ranges.
The PCCF lauded the dedication and commitment of the officers and field staff of Bandipora Forest Division. He urged them to continue their mission of preserving the rich biodiversity of Bandipora and promoting eco-tourism as a bridge between people and nature.
