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Srinagar : An important and well-attended meeting of the Forest Employees Welfare Association Retired (FEWA Retd) was held today at the Forest Complex PC Depot Srinagar under the leadership of Haji Sheikh Bashir Ahmad, President FEWA.
The meeting witnessed participation from several ex-DFOs, ex-Range Officers, and retired forest employees including Gh Jeelani (Ex-DFO), Khursheed Muqbool (Ex-DFO), Mohd Rafeeq Qadri (Ex-Range Officer), Mir Majeed (Ex-Range Officer), Peerzada Rashid (Ex-Range Officer), Irshad Ahmad Khan (Ex-Range Officer), Mohd Muqbool Mandoo (Ex-Range Officer), Tariq Masoodi (Ex-Range Officer), Farooq Ahmad (Ex-Range Officer), Iftikhar Ahmad Wani (Zonal Secretary South), Ali Mohd Bhat (Pamore Press Secretary), Mohd Hussain (Coordinator Srinagar), Gh Mohd Thoker (District President Budgam), Gh Nabi Dar (Bemina), Gh Mohd Dar (Urban Forestry), Myserul Zaman (Range Officer), and Khursheed Matoo (Range Officer), along with some in-service employees.
During the meeting, threadbare discussions were held on various key issues concerning the forest department and retired employees. Special focus was laid on the Eco-Tourism Policy and the importance of preserving forest regions such as Pahalgam, Gulmarg Forests, Bangus Valley, Lolab Valley, Wayan Forests, Zabarwan Hills Srinagar, and Chashma Shahi. Particular emphasis was given to the development of Aabshar Park, Baisaran Valley in Pahalgam Forests, and Gandoola in Gulmarg Forests, with the decision to take up these matters with the Hon’ble Forest Minister, Commissioner Secretary Forests, and Director Tourism as per the Forest Map.
Other significant issues discussed included the need for a clean environment, conservation of biodiversity, and resolution of unjustified recovery cases in Tangmarg Special Division. Concerns were also raised about pending GP Fund cases with the DFO Demarcation, pay anomalies to be addressed with the Commissioner Secretary Finance, and the demand for free accommodation during forest-related events, including provision of a dedicated room for monthly meetings.
In a notable development, Peerzada Rashid was unanimously nominated as General Secretary for the Kashmir Province, and Irshad Ahmad Khan was named Vice President of the Province, filling positions that had remained vacant for several months. Coordinator Mohd Hussain was also tasked with nominating the District President, Vice President, and Zonal Secretary for the Srinagar Zone, as new members like Farooq (Range Officer), Gh Nabi Dar, and Gh Mohd Dar joined the association during the meeting.
The Association expressed deep gratitude to Feroz Marazi (Range Officer), Khursheed Matto (Range Officer), and their entire staff for the excellent arrangements, including proper accommodation and refreshments, under the guidance and support of DFO Urban Forestry Sheikh Mehraj.
