Handwara: Commissioner Secretary Forests Sanjeev Verma today visited Handwara and Kupwara and reviewed the pace of forestry works underway in forest divisions of north Kashmir.
The Com/Sec was accompanied by Suresh Gupta Chief Wildlife Warden, Doifode Sagar Deputy Commissioner Kupwara, Irfan Rasool Conservator of Forests North Circle and DFOs of North kashmir.
Commissioner Secretary during the tour inspected Baderkali trekking route developed under ecotourism programme by J & K Forest Department. He was informed that 26 trekking routes have been thrown open in North Kashmir and tourists from different corners of India are conducting trekkings on these routes. He was informed that local youth have been trained to act as guides and carry out trekkings on these designated routes.
Commissioner Secretary visited Nagriwari Environment Park developed under Green India Mission by J & K forest department. He was informed that Environment park has been witnessing huge footfall and tourists are enjoying natural forest beauty as well as getting education about forest, environment and wildlife in this environment park. He was informed that Nagriwari park is managed by local Biodiversity Management Committee (BMC), first of its kind and all the earnings collected by them are ploughed back into park for maintaining its assests and developing new infrastructure. The commissioner Secretary directed for giving wider publicity and showcasing this park as success story.
While interacting with local PRI members during the visit, commissioner Secretary emphasized on protecting forest resources. He said that it is not possible to conserve the forest wealth without support of local people. He called upon local PRI members to extend full support to forest department in its efforts to conserve rich natural wealth of district Kupwara. He requested PRI members to help wildlife department in managing human-wildlife interactions. He assured that all genuine demands pertaining to availability of timber shall be looked into and fulfilled.
While interacting with frontline staff, commissioner secretary emphasized on launching special drives to restore water bodies under Amrit sarovar mission, making forests free from plastic and creating green spaces outside forest areas under Har ghar Haryali programme. He adviced senior forest officers to carry out fruit plantations extensively on suitable sites, plan plantation activities in high refractory and challenging sites and develop Bangus as best ecotourism model.
Commissioner Secretary assured frontline staff that all their service matters will be attended and issues related to their promotions shall be resolved at the earliest.(KNS)
