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Sopore, Jammu and Kashmir : The Conservator of Forests (CF), North Forest Circle, Sh Irfan Ali Shah(IFS) today concluded an extensive field tour of the Kandi Range in Sopore, part of the Kamraj Forest Division. The visit was aimed at reviewing ongoing development projects, assessing forest conservation efforts, and interacting with frontline forest staff and community engagement.The CF was accompanied by Sh Owais Farooq (DCF),Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Kamraj Forest Division, Sh Javed Rahim, Deputy Director Forest Protection Force Baramulla,Sh Bilal Ahmad , Range officer Kandi Range and other forest officers and officials.
The CoF inspected the site in Harvan Forest for the development of a new Eco-park. The project, conceived under the Central Government Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital lnvestment (SASCI )scheme 2025-2026 , is envisioned as a community asset to promote eco-tourism, provide nature education, and raise public awareness about forest and wildlife conservation. It will also serve as a recreational space for locals and visitors.
The CF and DFO also identified a suitable location for the construction of a new Forest Rest House in Zaloora Sopore under SASCI 2025-2026. The new rest house will form part of Ecotourism circuit in Sopore Watlab Rampora area and improve the department’s infrastructure for both public use and officials.23
An inspection was carried out at the proposed site for a Nagar Van or City Forest in Bomai being developed at a cost of 1.44 Crores .This initiative is a component of the Central Government’s plan to create green spaces and other nature based recreational facilities in and around urban areas, with a goal of improving air quality and connecting City and Town dwellers of Sopore and adjoining areas with nature.
The newly constructed Kandi Range Office at Bomai was also inspected, and a comprehensive interaction session was held with the forest staff there.The CF lauded the staff’s dedication and discussed strategies to further strengthen forest protection, anti-encroachment drives, and plantation efforts.
The tour also included an inspection of the existing Forest Rest House at Harvan and the Forest Check Post at Bomai to review their operational efficiency and maintenance standards.The CoF also met many public delegations who put forth their demands and Griviances. The CoF gave them a patient hearing and gave on the spot directions to Forest Department officers for redressal of bonafide greviances.
Speaking on the occasion, Sh Irfan Ali said “Greening Kandi Project,” a CAMPA-funded initiative has led to extensive plantation drives and the rehabilitation of degraded forest land. A significant portion of forest land has been recovered through boundary consolidation, which has been crucial in preventing encroachments. Many Ecoparks in Rampora Rajpora and new Forest trek routes like Rajpora Trimukhan Diver Lolab and Inspection paths in remote inaccessible villages and bridal paths have been developed here .Forest Department has involved locals in Timber extraction and Plantation works here leading to generation of local employment.Forest clearances were given for PMGSY road here to improve connectivity to remote areas of Kandi areas of Sopore and to facilitate reach of Government here to push for development agenda. Further hundreds of quintals of free fodder has been distributed among locals this year from Plantation closures to boost local milk and meat production, thus contributing to local economy in remote villages of Cherhar, harvan, Rajpora, Rampora ,Yamberzalwari etc”
“These initiatives are not just about planting trees; they are about fostering a partnership with the community to ensure sustainable conservation for future generations,” Sh Owais Ahmad, DFO Kamraj Forest Division stated.
The new initiatives in the Kandi Range Sopore have been met with widespread appreciation from the locals and civil society. Community members have lauded the Forest Department’s proactive approach to development and conservation. They believe that projects like the Eco-park, Forest Rest House and Nagar Van will not only contribute to a healthier environment but also boost the local economy and provide new recreational opportunities for local residents.
