Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, July 5: Conservator of Forests Kashmir Irfan Ali Shah today reviewed functioning of Forest Department in Shopian Forest Division to take stock of preparations for implementation of various developmental works being executed during the current financial year in Shopian district.
The Conservator of Forests laid stress on making progress on deliverables for the current financial year. He stressed on conservation of wetland, development of Amrit Sarovars inside forests and directed for maintaining these ponds for the benefit of people and forests. DFO Shopian was directed to prepare for ceremonial plantation drives to be carried out at the identified Amrit Sarovar sites on 15th August.
The deliverable under theme “Qabza Mukht Janglat” was also discussed. Divisional Forest Officer Shopian was directed to take immediate necessary steps for retrieval of encroached Forest land in district Shopian. The Conservator of Forests directed for eviction of all encroachments in a time bound manner and booking of encroachers under the provisions of Indian Forest Act.
The Conservator of Forests also directed for identifying new suitable sites for construction of new Forest Rest Houses for local people as well as tourists and stressed on facilitating online bookings through awareness programs for promotion of sustainable Eco-tourism in Shopian district. Further, the DFO Shopian was directed to submit details of new trekking routes, tenting/camping sites be opened during the current year.
Shah also visited Forest Protection Force Headquarters Gama Unit K-04 Shirmal Shopian to take stock of Forest Protection Scenario. A joint review meeting was also held at the Forest Protection Force Headquarter, Shopian in which all Range Officers, Assistant Directors, Forest Protection Force participated. Stress was given on the protection of forests and dealing with habitual forest damagers/timber smugglers with iron hand.
In the late evening, the Conservator of Forests had interaction with District Development Commissioner Shopian Sachin Kumar Vaishya. Organizing of Eco-tourism festivals, coordination with different agencies for forest protection, development of wood-based industries, claims under Forest Rights Act were discussed threadbare.
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