J&K Forest Department Unveils ‘Bagh-E-Tehseen’ Eco-Park in Kupwara, Honoring Martyrs and Promoting Environmental Stewardship
Kupwara: In a significant step towards promoting environmental consciousness while paying homage to the nation’s heroes, the Jammu & Kashmir Forest Department, under the leadership of the Kamraj Forest Division, inaugurated the ‘Bagh-E-Tehseen’ Eco-Park at Shadipora Keegam in Kupwara. This Eco-Park, dedicated to the sacrifice of martyrs, stands as a symbol of resilience and reverence for those who laid down their lives in service to the nation.
The event was graced by Brig. Ashish Shandil, Arty Brigade, Vivek Verma, Conservator of Forests, North Circle, Ayushi Sudan, Deputy Commissioner Kupwara, Shobhit Saxena, SSP Kupwara and other dignitaries. The event was marked by the “Ek Ped Shaheedon Ke Naam” plantation drive, a gesture that underscores the district administration’s commitment to honoring the fallen heroes.
In a deeply symbolic ceremony, the names of martyrs were read aloud, and shawls were presented to their Next of Kin (NOKs) as a mark of respect and gratitude. This heartfelt tribute highlighted the importance of remembering those who sacrificed their lives for the country, with Vivek Verma emphasizing that Bagh-E-Tehseen is the first park of its kind, dedicated entirely to the memory of the martyrs.
DC Kupwara Ayushi Sudan IAS and SSP Kupwara Shobhit Saxena, IPS, extended their congratulations to DFO Kamraj Anurag Arya IFS and the entire forest department for the swift and successful construction of the Eco-Park. They commended the initiative for its dual purpose: promoting environmental awareness and providing a serene space for recreation and reflection. DC Kupwara noted that such projects not only enhance the quality of life for the community but also play a crucial role in ecological conservation.
Brigadier Ashish congratuled DFO Kamraj for establishing the Eco-Park and highlighted the essential role of the local community in preserving and maintaining this beautiful park, urging them to take an active part in its upkeep. The park is expected to become a major tourist attraction in Kupwara, contributing to both local and broader environmental goals.
Anurag Arya, IFS, DFO Kamraj, expressed his gratitude to the forest frontline staff for their tireless efforts in organizing the event and establishing the Eco-Park in record time. He announced plans for more eco-friendly parks and trekking routes in the district, appealing to the public to visit and enjoy these natural spaces with their families.
The event also featured a captivating cultural performance by local school students, showcasing their talent and creativity, much to the delight of the audience.
It is noteworthy that Bagh-E-Tehseen the first park of its kind and is the fifth Eco-Park established by the J&K Forest Department Kamraj Forest Division Kupwara, featuring dedicated play areas for children, further enhancing its appeal as a family-friendly destination. The distribution of shawls to the families of martyrs under the aegis of “Ek Ped Shaheedon Ke Naam” added a profound layer of meaning to the event, reinforcing the forest department’s dedication to both conservation and commemoration.
The ceremony concluded with participation from a wide array of officials, including DFO Langate, CMO Kupwara, CEO, and a large number of locals, marking the occasion as a significant milestone in the district’s ongoing commitment to honoring its heroes and preserving its natural beauty.
