Kupwara: Conservator of Forests, North Circle Sopore, Shri Irfan Ali Shah, IFS, today undertook a comprehensive field tour of Kamraj and Kehmil Forest Divisions to review current year works, new site selections, infrastructure development, strategic projects, forest demarcation and protection measures.
The Conservator was accompanied by Shri Owais Farooq Mir, DCF, DFO Kamraj; Faisal Farooq , ACF , DFO Kehmil Forest Division, Basharat Khan Range Officer Kupwara , Assistant Director Forest Protection Force Kehmil, and other concerned officers and field staff.
At Kamraj Forest Division Headquarters, the Conservator reviewed the proposed site for the Biodiversity Interpretation Centre and reviewed renovation improvement works of the Division office, residential infrastructure and DFO residences of Kamraj and Kehmil.
Directions were issued for preparing technically sound estimates and proposals for priority repairs, renovation and upgradation.
At Forest Complex Zangli , he reviewed additional infrastructure requirements, improvement macadamisation of internal roads and other essential works. Directions were given for preparation of estimates and comprehensive proposals. The management of old departmental buildings and confiscated vehicles was also reviewed, with directions for proper inventory, assessment and disposal utilisation as per rules.
The Conservator also inspected and finalised the proposed site for a Van Dhan Kendra and discussed its practical implementation as a livelihood and value addition centre for local, tribal communities through NTFP forest-produce processing, storage, packaging, SHG participation and skill development.
At Batpora Block, covering Safawaali Gali, Phuli Behak and Kumkadi, the Conservator reviewed the PG-SPG Strategic Road Project, including Puthakhan Gali–Safawaali Gali Road, with field-level assessment of scope and requirements. The inspection was undertaken in connection with the 1st Quarter Monitoring Compliance Report of Strategic Projects in Kashmir North Circle under the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980)
The Conservator also reviewed forest demarcation and installed boundary pillars, stressing upon clear boundary maintenance and directing that annual inspection and verification of boundary pillars and demarcation lines be ensured.
During the visit, he interacted with local residents of kumkadi village , Safawali village and reviewed developmental and livelihood requirements, including the scope for interventions in tribal areas
At Kumkadi Government School, the Conservator interacted with students and teachers and discussed strengthening forest and biodiversity awareness through information boards, educational displays and suitable support facilities.
The Conservator also interacted with Army officers 47/RR at Kumkadi and discussed strengthening joint forest protection, coordination, information sharing and timely response in vulnerable forest areas.
During the tour, the Conservator emphasised quality execution, realistic estimates, timely completion, regular monitoring, proper asset management, community participation and outcome oriented livelihood initiatives, directing the concerned officers to submit necessary proposals and ensure effective implementation of the identified works.
