Kupwara, October 26: Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force (PCCF & HoFF), Jammu and Kashmir Forest Department Sh. Sarvesh Rai, IFS, undertook a two-day tour of North Kashmir on October 25 and 26 to review Forest developmental works, forest protection measures, eco-tourism initiatives across all forest divisions of the North Forest Circle.
On the first day of the tour, the PCCF visited JV Forest Division, Baramulla, where he inaugurated the Trumgund Forest Check Post and inspected the ongoing construction work of the DFO office at Baramulla. He subsequently visited Langate Forest Division, where he laid the foundation stone for the second storey of the DFO office at Langate and inspected the Reshwari Eco-Tourism site.
The tour further covered eco-tourism works in Bangus Valley, where the PCCF took stock of ongoing eco-development initiatives in the Dringyari–Bungus area.At Lakut Bangus, the PCCF inspected the Forest Staff Quarters and Jungle Training Centre and released a publication entitled “Mountain Trails of Kehmil,” highlighting trekking routes and nature-based tourism opportunities in Kehmil Forest Division. He also inaugurated the Range Office at Ramhall.
Later in the evening, the PCCF visited the Army Headquarters at Zangli, Kupwara, where he alongwith Senior Forest officers held an interactive session with the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Army’s 28 Infantry Division and other Army officers on issues of common interest.
On the second day, the PCCF visited Kamraj Forest Division, Kupwara, where he inaugurated the newly constructed Block Officers’ Hut at Batpora .The PCCF also inaugurated the Van Posh Mela, at Nagri ware Hutmulla which showcased the linkages between forest conservation, traditional skills, local livelihoods and eco-tourism. A 1.5-kilometre student trekking route was also inaugurated, and students were flagged off for the trek.The PCCF also initiated Resham Vann, a mulberry plantation initiative within an existing plantation closure. He also inspected thematic stalls showcasing traditional crafts and products made from locally sourced raw materials, including Indigofera-based crafts, wood carving and pottery with artisans getting support under Green India Mission.High yielding clonal Poplar saplings were also distributed among beneficiaries on the occasion.
A nature parliament and environmental skits and Tribal heritage presentation was also showcased during the program.
The PCCF also attended a forest fire mock drill organised by Kamraj Forest Division to assess preparedness for the ensuing forest fire season.The PCCF released two publications on the occasion entitled as “the Forest Protection Plan of Kamraj Forest Division 2026–27, “A Portrait of Paradise – The Enchanting Forests of Lolab valley
The PCCF was accompanied during the tour by Sh. Irfan Rasool Wani, Chief Conservator of Forests, Kashmir; Dr. M. K. Kumar, Chief Conservator of Forests, Central; Sh. Irfan Ali Shah, Conservator of Forests, North Circle; Sh. Owais Mir, Divisional Forest Officer, Kamraj Forest Division and other Senior Forest officers and field level functionaries