Kupwara: In a heartfelt and dignified farewell-cum-welcome function organized by the Non-Gazetted Forest Officers Association (NGFOA) Kamraj Kupwara, officers and staff of the Forest Department gathered to bid an emotional adieu to Anurag Arya, IFS, the outgoing Divisional Forest Officer and to warmly welcome Owais Farooq Mir, the newly posted DFO Kamraj Kupwara.
The event, hosted by Nazir Zengeri, witnessed the participation of senior officials, frontline staff, and dignitaries from various forest divisions. The atmosphere was filled with emotion, gratitude, and respect as speaker after speaker praised the leadership, humility, and dedication of Anurag during his tenure.
Anurag Arya brought back the soul of field forestry — leading from the front, walking the trails, and uniting the workforce. His ability to connect with every level of staff will remain his most powerful legacy.
— Mir Nazir, Senior Vice President, All India Forest Federation.
“His calm demeanor, sharp decision-making, and personal care for staff welfare made him an exceptional officer. Kupwara is proud to have had such a leader.”
— Sheikh Bashir Ahmad, President, Forest Welfare Association
“As President of NGFOA Kamraj, I witnessed firsthand the emotional bond Anurag Arya Sahab built with staff. He gave voice to our silent concerns, and stood with us during every challenge.”
— Ghulam Mohammad Dar, President, NGFOA Kamraj Kupwara
“He ensured transparency in operations and always stood by ethical forestry practices. I welcome Owais Sahab and look forward to stronger collaboration between Bandipora and Kamraj divisions and best wishes to Anurag Arya Ji.”
— Waseem Farooq, DFO Bandipora
“Our coordination with Anurag Arya Sahab during joint operations was exceptional. He respected FPF’s role and always backed timely field action. I wish him success and extend full support to the new DFO.”
— Javid Iqbal, Deputy Director, Forest Protection Force, Kupwara
“It is with gratitude that I take charge from an officer as respected as Anurag Arya Ji, I look forward to working hand in hand with the field staff and continuing the good work with transparency and commitment. Owais Farooq Mir DFO Kamraj Kupwara.
Serving in Kamraj Kupwara was more than a professional assignment—it was a deeply personal journey. Each one of you—from casual workers to officers—became my family in green. Together, we faced snowstorms, forest fires, and challenges. Yet, we never broke, because we believed in each other. I am taking memories that will stay with me for life. The dedication, loyalty, and resilience of this team has taught me that strength doesn’t always come from the top—it rises from the grassroots. I thank the people of Kupwara, the frontline staff, and my fellow officers. I also wish Owais Sahab great success ahead. I know he will carry forward this legacy with dignity. Aurag Arya, IFS in an emotional speech .
As the event concluded with the presentation of tokens of appreciation, handshakes, hugs, and collective photographs, there was an overwhelming sense of respect and unity. Staff members across ranks expressed their emotional farewell to Anurag Arya while extending full support to the new DFO.
The Kamraj Forest Division now steps into a new chapter under the leadership of Shri Owais Farooq Mir, with a renewed commitment to protect forests, empower staff, and uphold public trust in the department.
The function was attended by several dignitaries from the forest department, including:
Zahid Moghal, DFO Baramulla
Waseem Farooq, DFO Bandipora, Showkat Ahmad, DFO Demarcation, Altaf Hussain, DFO, Javid Iqbal, Deputy Director, FPF Kupwara
The Range Officers of Kamraj Forest Division and frontline staff including foresters, guards, MTS, Division staff were also present in full strength, reflecting the widespread respect and affection for the outgoing officer.
