KUPWARA: Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) and Head of Forest Force (HoFF), Jammu and Kashmir, Sarvesh Rai, reviewed developmental works, forest protection measures, eco-tourism initiatives and infrastructure across forest divisions of North Kashmir during a two-day tour on October 25 and 26.
The tour covered forest divisions in Baramulla, Langate, Kehmil and Kamraj, with a focus on strengthening field infrastructure, improving forest protection and promoting sustainable tourism and livelihood opportunities.
During his visit to Jammu and Kashmir’s Baramulla Forest Division, Rai inaugurated the Trumgund Forest Check Post and inspected the ongoing construction of the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) office. In Langate Forest Division, he laid the foundation stone for the second storey of the DFO office and inspected the Reshwari Eco-Tourism site.
At Bangus Valley, he reviewed eco-development works in the Dringyari-Bungus area and assessed progress on visitor amenities. He directed officers to ensure timely and quality completion of projects, while stressing that eco-tourism should be developed through responsible visitor management and conservation of natural landscapes.
Rai also called for strengthening forest protection measures, improving field-level preparedness and intensifying preventive interventions ahead of the forest fire season.
At Lakut Bangus, the PCCF inspected the Forest Staff Quarters and Jungle Training Centre and released a publication titled “Mountain Trails of Kehmil”, highlighting trekking routes and nature-based tourism opportunities in Kehmil Forest Division. He also inaugurated the Range Office at Ramhall to strengthen field administration, forest monitoring and coordination.
Later, Rai visited Army Headquarters at Zangli, Kupwara, where he held discussions with the General Officer Commanding of the Army’s 28 Infantry Division and other officers on forest diversion proposals related to Army requirements and their progress.
On the second day, the PCCF visited Kamraj Forest Division and inaugurated the Block Officers’ Hut at Batpora Block. The facility caters to three forest beats comprising 16 compartments and is expected to improve field coordination, monitoring and protection of forest resources.
At Nagriwari Eco-Park in Hatmulla, he inaugurated the Van Posh Mela, showcasing traditional skills, local livelihoods and the relationship between forest conservation and eco-tourism. A 1.5-km trekking route for students was also inaugurated, with students flagged off for the trek to promote environmental awareness.
Rai initiated Resham Vann, a mulberry plantation initiative within an existing plantation closure, aimed at promoting location-specific livelihoods through mulberry cultivation and potential linkages with Bamboo and Mulberry Clusters (BMCs).
He also inspected stalls showcasing traditional crafts and products made from locally sourced raw materials, including Indigofera-based crafts, wood carving and pottery. Craftspersons demonstrated tools provided under the Green India Mission (GIM) livelihood initiative.
Poplar saplings were distributed among beneficiaries under the Social Forestry Department’s agroforestry programme to encourage tree cultivation on private and agricultural lands.
Students from local schools presented an environmental debate and skit on forest conservation and biodiversity protection. The PCCF felicitated the participants and encouraged them to promote conservation awareness in their communities.
A tribal heritage presentation showcased the traditional lifestyle, culture and indigenous practices of local tribal communities, including traditional beverages and a customary dwelling known as a Dhoka. The department highlighted the potential of such structures to serve as guidance points, rain shelters and camping facilities along trekking routes, subject to appropriate planning and environmental safeguards.
The PCCF also attended a forest fire mock drill organised by Kamraj Forest Division to assess preparedness for the upcoming fire season. The exercise included demonstrations of firefighting equipment, response procedures and first-aid techniques for injured personnel.
The drill highlighted the importance of timely response, field coordination, equipment readiness and staff training in forest fire management.
Rai released the Forest Protection Plan of Kamraj Forest Division for 2026-27, outlining priorities and planned interventions for forest surveillance, prevention of forest offences and protection of forest resources.
He also released “A Portrait of Paradise – The Enchanting Forests of Lolab Valley”, a booklet documenting the valley’s ecological richness and the Forest Department’s interventions in conservation, restoration, plantation development and eco-tourism promotion.