RAMBAN: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmad Rana on Wednesday inaugurated the City Forest Park at Batote in Ramban district, marking a significant step towards strengthening green infrastructure and promoting eco-tourism in the region.
The Minister was accompanied by Legislators Sajjad Shaheen and Arjun Singh Raju, Chief Conservator of Forests, Jammu, Dr. V. Senthil Kumar, Conservator of Forests, Chenab Circle, Dr. A. D. Singh, along with other officers of the Forest Department.
Developed by the Jammu and Kashmir Forest Department, the City Forest Park has been established over an area of 12 hectares at an estimated cost of ₹62 lakh.
The initiative aims to create a vibrant recreational green space for residents and visitors while advancing ecological conservation and promoting environmental awareness.
Addressing the gathering, the Minister highlighted the growing importance of urban forest spaces in improving environmental quality and public well-being. He said such initiatives encourage community participation in conservation efforts and act as catalysts for nature-based tourism.
Emphasizing the broader environmental impact, Rana noted that projects like the City Forest Park contribute to climate resilience while providing accessible and healthy recreational avenues for the public.
The park has been designed with eco-friendly amenities to enhance visitor experience while ensuring sustainability. Key features include scenic viewpoints offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape, a 50-metre walking trail for nature enthusiasts, a wooden bridge adding both functional and aesthetic value, and soil and moisture conservation measures such as Dry Rubble Stone Masonry (DRSM).
Outlining future plans, the Minister announced several proposed additions to further enrich the park, including construction of another wooden bridge, development of a dedicated children’s park, establishment of a thematic Nagar Van, creation of a selfie point to attract younger visitors, and addition of more viewpoints to enhance the overall experience.
