Booklet on ‘Enchanting Forests of Lolab Valley’ released; Focus on curbing illegal logging and promoting afforestation
KUPWARA: Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) Kashmir, Irfan Rasool Wani, on Tuesday visited the Kamraj Forest Division in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district to review forest protection measures, ongoing developmental works, and the district’s preparedness for the winter plantation season.
The visit began with a review meeting held at the office of the Deputy Director, Headquarters Natnussa, which was attended by DFO Kamraj, Deputy Directors of Forest Protection Force (FPF) Natnussa, Langate, and Kehmil, along with Range Officers of North Lolab, Matchil, Kupwara, and Sopore.
During the meeting, Wani took stock of various conservation initiatives underway across Kupwara, particularly in the Sogam and Chandigam areas of the Lolab Valley. He stressed the importance of intensified field vigilance to curb illegal forest activities and directed officers to ensure that forest offence cases are promptly pursued to their logical conclusion.
Winter Plantation Drive Kicks Off
As part of the visit, the CCF formally launched the Winter Plantation Drive by planting a Deodar sapling in Compartment 18/SL, symbolizing the start of the winter afforestation campaign in the district. The event saw active participation from school students and local residents, underscoring growing public engagement in environmental protection efforts.
Wani also inspected the Forest Nursery at Chandigam, where he directed officials to raise tall seedlings of multiple species to support urban and roadside plantations. He called for timely supply of plantable stock to ensure efficient execution of upcoming plantation targets and instructed staff to upgrade nursery infrastructure with improved irrigation, weeding, and hoeing facilities.
Booklet Showcasing Lolab’s Biodiversity Released
On the occasion, the Chief Conservator also released a booklet titled “The Enchanting Forests of Lolab Valley,” which highlights the region’s rich forest wealth, biodiversity, and ecological significance.
Later, the CCF visited the newly constructed DFO residence at Zangli Campus and the Inspection Hut of the Social Forestry Department, where he reviewed ongoing works and urged officers to ensure timely completion to make the facilities operational soon.
The CCF was accompanied by DFO Kamraj, Owais Mir; DD FPF Natnussa, Sheikh Javed; DD FPF Langate, Manzoor Ahmad; DD FPF Kehmil, Jan Mohammad; Range Officers of Kamraj Division; and Assistant Directors of FPF Kupwara.
Officials said the visit underscored the department’s renewed focus on strengthening forest protection, expanding afforestation, and enhancing public participation in environmental conservation across north Kashmir’s forest divisions.
