Srinagar: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology and Environment and Tribal Affairs Javed Ahmed Rana on Thursday e-inaugurated and laid foundation stones for four forest and wildlife projects worth ₹1.31 crore across Rajouri district.
The projects, funded under the UT Capex programme, include two eco-parks in Nanga Thub (Bakori) and Nambal in Budhal constituency, a forest check post at Darhal and a new Range Office building in Rajouri.
According to officials, the two eco-parks are being developed under the Rajouri Forest Division at an estimated cost of ₹40 lakh each. The foundation stones were laid in the presence of Budhal MLA Javid Iqbal Choudhary.
Rana also laid the foundation stone for a forest check post at Darhal, to be constructed at a cost of ₹11.71 lakh under the UT Capex 2026-27 programme. The project was launched in the presence of Thanamandi MLA Muzaffer Iqbal Khan.
The minister also e-inaugurated a newly constructed Range Office building in Rajouri, built by the Wildlife Protection Department at a cost of ₹40 lakh. Rajouri MLA Iftkhar Ahmed was present on the occasion.
Addressing the gathering, Rana said the projects reflect the government’s commitment to balancing environmental conservation with development while creating recreational and eco-tourism facilities for local communities.
He said eco-parks help strengthen the relationship between forests, wildlife and local communities while creating opportunities for eco-tourism and ecological restoration.
“These eco-parks will provide quality public spaces for the people and promote eco-tourism, while the forest check post and Range Office will further strengthen the protection, monitoring and management of our forests and wildlife,” he said.
The minister directed officials to ensure timely completion of the projects and maintain quality standards. He also reviewed ongoing soil conservation and forest protection measures in the area and called for priority intervention in erosion-prone and environmentally vulnerable zones.
Rana stressed the need for better coordination among departments to ensure effective conservation outcomes and asked officials to regularly monitor projects and maintain completed assets for long-term public benefit.
Chief Wildlife Warden, DFO Rajouri, Warden Poonch-Rajouri Range and other departmental officers were present during the programme.
