Kupwara: Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) and Head of Forest Force (HoFF) Jammu and Kashmir, S.K. Gupta, on Friday conducted an extensive tour of the Karnah Range under the Kehmil Forest Division in Kupwara district to inspect infrastructure projects, review forestry works, and interact with staff and local residents.
The PCCF was accompanied by Irfan Rasool, Chief Conservator of Forests, Kashmir; Irfan Ali Shah, Conservator of Forests, North Circle; Faisal Farooq, DFO Kehmil Forest Division; Shamsul Haq, Deputy Director, Forest Protection Force (FPF) Kehmil; and other senior officers.
During the visit, Gupta inspected the Forest Rest House (FRH) near Bungus Valley and the Sadhna Top forest area to assess the condition and protection of key forest assets. He reviewed the installation of boundary pillars and ongoing soil and moisture conservation works, stressing the importance of strong forest demarcation and sustainable conservation practices.
The PCCF also visited the Block Officer’s Hut at Teetwal and reviewed the development of the trekking route from Teetwal point to Simari, the last village in Karnah. He directed officials to develop an eco-park in Karnah and upgrade the Forest Rest House at Teetwal to promote eco-tourism and local engagement.
Gupta assessed greening and beautification drives across several forest compartments, including 21/Kh, 32/Kh, and 33/Kh, and around religious sites such as the Sharda Peeth temple in Teetwal and the Jamia Masjid in Karnah.
During interactions with Army Commanders stationed in the area, Gupta sought continued collaboration for plantation and greening efforts, particularly in vulnerable and border areas. He also reviewed progress on strategic and border area roads, tourism development, and pilgrim tourism, highlighting the Forest Department’s role in balancing sustainable development with ecological preservation.
Addressing forest officials, Gupta called for a people-friendly administrative approach and urged staff to align conservation efforts with community welfare and eco-tourism initiatives.
Conservator of Forests, North Circle, Irfan Ali Shah, briefed the PCCF on recent ecotourism and greening initiatives undertaken under various development schemes.
