KUPWARA: Chief Conservator Forests (CCF) Kashmir, Irfan Rasool Wani, today visited the Kamraj Forest Division Kupwara to review ongoing forest protection measures and developmental works in the area.
The visit commenced with a review meeting at the office of the Deputy Director, Headquarters Natnussa, which was attended by the DFO Kamraj, Deputy Directors Natnussa, Langate, and Kehmil, along with Range Officers of North Lolab, Matchil, Kupwara, and Sopore.
During the meeting, the CCF took stock of the various measures being undertaken for forest conservation in Kupwara, with a particular focus on the Sogam and Chandigam areas of Lolab Valley. He emphasized the need to intensify field vigilance to curb illegal exploitation of forest resources and ensure that forest offence cases are promptly acted upon and taken to their logical conclusion.
As part of his visit, the CCF inaugurated the Winter Plantation Drive in the district by planting a Deodar sapling in Compartment 18/SL, marking the commencement of the winter afforestation season.
The event witnessed active participation of school children and members of the local community, reflecting growing public involvement in forest conservation efforts.
The CCF also inspected the Forest Nursery at Chandigam, where he issued on-spot directions to raise tall seedlings of diverse species for promoting urban and roadside plantations. He also instructed officers to ensure timely supply of plantable stock for field plantations, thereby creating space for new nursery targets for the current year.
The CCF further directed the staff to upgrade nursery infrastructure with improved facilities for irrigation, weeding, and hoeing operations.
On the occasion, a booklet titled “The Enchanting Forests of Lolab Valley”, showcasing the forest wealth and biodiversity of Lolab, was formally released by the Chief Conservator of Forests Kashmir.
Later, the CCF inspected the newly constructed DFO residence at Zangli Campus and the Inspection Hut of the Social Forestry Department. He instructed the officers to ensure timely completion of remaining works to make these facilities operational at the earliest.
During the visit the CCF was accompanied by DFO Kamraj, Owais Mir; DD FPF Natnussa, Sheikh Javed; DD FPF langate, Manzoor Ahmed; DD FPF Kehmil Jan Mohammad; Range officers of Kamraj Forest division and Asst Directors of FPF kupwara.