Kupwara, Oct 03: The Chief Conservator of Forests, Kashmir Region, Irfan Rasool Wani on Sunday undertook a one-day field tour of Kehmil and Langate Forest Divisions in North Forest Circle to review the progress made in eco-tourism development in the concerned areas.
During his visit to Langate Forest Division, the CCF inspected the Forest complex Langate and reviewed the status of new infrastructure development and gave directions for timely work completion as per the approved plans and prescribed quality standards.
The CCF also took an extensive visit of Reshwari Eco-Tourism Site, and reviewed the eco-development scenario. He directed for upgrading of Reshwari Trek route, Soil and Moisture conservation measures for Mawar Nallah and upgrading of Reshwari Ecotourism hut.
He also inspected the upcoming Reshwari Eco Park and directed early completion of work and dedicate of it to the public and Tourists.
He also directed for preparing a detailed project report regarding the fallen timber lying alongside the road leading towards Bangus valley so that the available timber and firewood resource are properly enumerated and made available for public use before winter sets in.
The CCF also reviewed the proposed site for the Langate–Bangus Visitors Centre. He directed for redevelopment of Bungus Ecotourism visitors centre for creating an aesthetically appealing and nature-compatible attraction for visitors.
During his tour of the Kehmil Forest Division, the CCF also inspected the existing ecotourism huts in Bungus valley and Tee Pee point Jungle Bagh and gave directions for their further upgradation and modernisation. A ceremonial plantation drive was also carried out at Jungle Bagh Ecotourism site on the occasion.
The CCF also inspected the first of its kind under development High Altitude Jungle Training Camp for forest officers and nature lovers in Lokut Bungus and reviewed the ongoing progress of works at the site.
During the field tour, the CCF emphasised that all eco-tourism and infrastructure interventions should be planned in a manner that balances visitor convenience, local accessibility and ecological sustainability. The CCF also emphasised quality execution, realistic estimates, timely completion, regular field monitoring and proper maintenance of developed assets.
The CCF Kashmir was accompanied by Irfan Ali Shah, Conservator of Forests, North Forest Circle, Sopore; Zahid Aslam Mughal, DFO JV; Faisal Farooq, DFO Kehmil; Aihzaz Ahmad Pajwari, DFO Langate; Bilal Ahmad DFO Social Forestry Division Kupwara; Manmeet Singh, Assistant Director Forest Protection Force, concerned Range Officers, Foresters and other Forest field functionaries.
