Kupwara: Ecopark developed by Kamraj Forest Division J&K Forest Department in Nagri forest of Hamtulla Block was inaugurated by PCCF JK Dr Mohit Geera on Saturday.The theme of the park is nature education, wildlife awareness and community conservation. The park is expected to attract children and inspire them to conserve biodiversity.
In the park, various wooden artifacts of Bear, Leopard, Deer, Hangul, Birds etc have been installed along with information boards for nature education and interpretation purpose. Besides, tree signages have also been placed to create awareness about common flora and Rest benches, Rain shulters have been placed for visitors.
The park has been thrown open to public, J&K Forest Dept will organize outreach programmes in this park for school children in association with Ecoclubs to provide nature education and create awareness.
On the occasion students of Kupwara Public School, Aloha Mastermind and Ever Green Public School Hatmulla
presented different programs related to the event in which best performers were rewarded with appreciation certificates by PCCF J & K.
The potter machines were distributed among the women potter group for self employment . Nazir Ahmad Mir Block Forest Officer gifted Kashmiri Kangri To Dr Mohit Ghera and other dignitaries.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Gera said the Nagriwari park has medicinal, good quality of ornamental , conifer plant species. The park has been categorised in to 04 categories viz Medicinal plant section , Forest Education , Recreation section and Natural forests .
He said Jammu and Kashmir is rich in forests and the government is giving thrust to its conservation and sustainable use.
“The Nagriwari Park will attract students and inspire them to conserve biodiversity.” he emphasized.
Giving details of “Ped Lagayen Beti ke Naam” Programme he said this programme has been launched to celebrate the birth of girl child and her birth has been linked with nature conservation.
Dr Mohit, also participated in planting programme in which parents who had given birth to girl child planted Chinar tree in the said park .
Dr Gera said, the UT administration has taken a slew of steps to preserve and protect the forests and has also promoted responsible ecotourism. He said 75 trekking routes have been thrown open and Rest houses have been made available to public on online booking mode.
In Kupwara 5 Rest Houses have made functional which are also available for visitors.
In last PCCF appreciated the efforts of staff for outstanding performance of work executed in the said eco park .
Dr Geera was accompanied by CCF Kashmir T Rabi Kumar, CF (K) North Irfan Rasool, DFO Kamraj Zahid Aslam , Range Officer Kupwara Feroz Ahmad Marazi and other DFO’s & RO’s.
Meanwhile Kupwara residents have hailed the forest department for taking such initiatives and has apprised authorities establish more eco tourism and bio diversity parks in the district, so that people get benefitted and Forest area get boost.
