Pr. Chief Conservator of Forests (HoFF), J&K Dr. Mohit Gera held a review meeting, through Web Conferencing, on forest protection in Kashmir region in order to monitor the measures being taken for protection of forests in view of ongoing lockdown due to COVID-19 pandemic. This virtual meeting was attended by Director, Forest Protection Force Shri Asif Mehmood Sagar, Chief Conservator of Forests, Kashmir Shri Farooq Ahmad Gillani, besides all Conservator of Forests, DFOs and officers of Forest Protection Force, Kashmir.
Chief Conservator of Forests, Kashmir apprised that in spite of unprecedented lockdown situation, staff of forest department are doing their duty and are keeping a strict vigil in the field. He also informed that immediate necessary cognizance is being taken against the incidence of any illicit damage.
Conservator of Forests, North Circle informed that there are incidences of illicit damage in few vulnerable localities like Kandi, Doabgah, and Rajwar ranges. He also informed that cases are being registered and FIRs lodged against the forest offenders.
Director, Forest Protection Force asserted that FPF personnel are working in synchronization with territorial staff under supervision of concerned Conservator of Forests. He suggested that measures like strengthening of joint patrolling of territorial and FPF personnel and use of troop carriers of FPF.
PCCF, exhorted the territorial DFOs to take all possible measures for ensuring further strengthening of the protection network, existing control rooms, Increasing mobility of frontline staff, Joint patrolling with FPF personnel, intelligence gathering and by increasing frequency of monitoring of field staff and reporting by them. He further directed the DFOs to file dossiers under PSA in case of habitual offenders.
The Chief Conservator of Forests, Kashmir and all Conservators of Forests were directed to frequently review the protection measures being done by DFOs to ensure the maximum protection of vulnerable forests. They were also advised to ensure that all precautions be taken by the staff in view of the COVID pandemic and officers should work in coordination with district administration.
