ANANTNAG: The Conservator of Forests (CoF) Kashmir, South Forest Circle, Irfan Ali Shah today inspected Lidder Forest Division and reviewed the working of the Forest Department.
The CoF inspected the CAMPA Plantation works of 2022-23 in the Division. It was informed that the survival of plants in CAMPA closures was more than 90 percent. He directed to raise more such plantation units in degraded forest sites.
He also reviewed demarcation works and inspected boundary pillars in Chanigam, Wajoora, Ashmuqam forests and directed to complete the remaining boundary pillar installation in left over forests.
CoF directed for opening new trekking routes in the Mattan range and to provide makeshift eco-tent accommodation for the locals and tourists in these places and to create large-scale awareness amongst stakeholders on Ecotourism. He also directed for bringing these places on the Eco-Tourism map of Jammu and Kashmir.
CoF visited Nunwan Yatra base camp to review Shri Amarnath Yatra related preparations. He also reviewed ongoing works, arrangements for Shri Amarnathji Yatra and directed the departmental functionaries to dump firewood on time at various places enroute yatra.
He also threw open the newly constructed Forest Rest House at Pahalgam. The CoF informed that the opening of Forest Huts for Ecotourism is for all visitors, yatris and locals and helps to promote sustainable ecotourism in Jammu and Kashmir.
The CoF inspected the sites for construction of Range office Mattan and Block Officer’s hut and directed for timely completion of work. He also inspected Sallar Rest house and reviewed its functionality.
He also inspected various Forest nurseries including Bijbehara Central nursery and Yenner nursery in Pahalgam and directed for quality plant production on scientific lines and improvement of nursery based infrastructure. He also directed for raising quality Nursery stocks especially of wild fruit plants to mitigate man animal conflict.
He was accompanied by DFO Lidder Forest Division Dr Mehraj Sheikh, Range officer Pahalgam Masood Ahmed, Range officer Mattan, Range officer Bijbehara Manzoor Ahmad besides other forest officers and officials.