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Kupwara : The Conservator of Forests (CoF) North Kashmir Sh Irfan Ali Shah(IFS) today concluded a comprehensive review of the working of the Forest Department in the Kamraj Forest Division, Kupwara at Zangli Forest Complex, Kupwara. The review meeting, was attended by Sh Anurag Arya(IFS), Divisional Forest Officer Kamraj Forest Division , Sh Faizaan Range officer Kupwara, Rayees Ahmad Range officer Special Range Sopore , Sh Bilal Masoodi Range officer Kandi, Sh Riyaz Ahmad Wani Range officer North Lolab, Sh Jatinder Singh Bali Range officer Matchil, Athar Parvez Range officer South Loab and other Forest officials from Circle and Divisional Headquarters.
During the review, the CoF commended the Kamraj Forest Division for its proactive approach in various sectors, with particular emphasis on Development of Ecotourism in Lolab Valley. The CoF noted the immense potential of Lolab Valley as a prime ecotourism destination and praised ongoing efforts to develop new trek routes and ecoparks, such as the successful Nagriwari, Kairwan, and Satbaran Eco-Parks. These initiatives have not only attracted a significant number of visitors but have also provided crucial livelihood opportunities for over hundreds of rural families in the vicinity. The department aims to further expand these eco-friendly activities, including guided nature walks, birdwatching, and rock climbing, to fully harness the valley’s natural beauty. Plans for the holistic development of both Machil Valley and Kalaroos Valley were deliberated, including the construction of new Forest Rest Houses in Sogam, Kalaroos, Matchil, Jumagund areas to give boost to Ecotourism sector and to create additional employment opportunities in these picturesque regions.Development of new trek routes in all forest blocks of lolab, Sopore botingoo, Rampur Rajpur, Kupwara and Matchil valleys was also impressed upon. Development of Nagar Van recreational areas in Bomai was also discussed.
The CoF also discussed threadbare the Livelihood Generation & Medicinal Plants Sector with the officers. It was informed that successful implementation of the Non-Timber Forest Produce (NTFP) Policy in Kupwara has empowered local communities to collect and trade medicinal plants and other forest products through registered NTFP depot holders. This has ensured fair prices for traditional collectors and contributed to the local economy. The CoF stressed the importance of further strengthening this sector, exploring new markets, and supporting sustainable harvesting practices to maximize benefits for forest-dependent communities.
The CoF directed for ensuring a consistent and equitable supply of timber by Forest Development Corporation to local communities for their bonafide needs, while strictly adhering to sustainable forest management principles. The CoF directed officials to streamline processes and address any bottlenecks to meet the timber requirements of the populace without compromising forest health.
The CoF highlighted the importance of establishing “Van Dhan Kendras” in collaboration with the Tribal Development Department. These centers will play a pivotal role in value addition, marketing, and skill development for tribal communities engaged in collecting minor forest produce, development of local village based handicrafts and traditional food items ,thereby ensuring better returns for their products. He directed for setting up new Van Dhan Kendra’s in Kupwara town, Sogam and Matchil areas.
The CoF emphasized the need for timely extraction of firewood from forests to ensure that the targets for providing firewood to the people and religious institutions and other agencies are met responsibly and sustainably before winter sets in.
It was informed that significant progress has been made on on Greening initiatives under various schemes, including CAMPA (Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority), CAPEX (Capital Expenditure), and the Green India Mission for Rehabilitation of Degraded Forests and for quality improvement of Forests of Kupwara. The CoF lauded the extensive plantation drives and directed continued focus on enhancing forest cover and biodiversity across the division in collaboration with local people, District Administration, NGOs , Army and other stakeholders.
The CoF called for enhanced preparedness, community participation in forest fire prevention, and timely response mechanisms to minimize damage from forest fires.He directed for hygienic cleaning and controlled burning in forest areas to remove fire hazards .
The CoF later did comprehensive inspection of Zangli Forest Heqdquarters Kupwara and gave on the spot directions for the campus development and Nursery upgradation and maintenance.
