Sopore April 12 (KNS): The Conservator of Forests, Kashmir North Forest Circle Irfan Ali Shah( IFS), today conducted a comprehensive review of the working of Forest Department in Langate Forest Division. He particularly reviewed the ongoing ecotourism development initiatives in the picturesque Bangus Valley, located in the Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir.
During the review,the CoF assessed the scope of development of eco-friendly tourism facilities and community engagement efforts aimed at promoting sustainable Eco tourism while preserving the Bangus valley’s rich biodiversity.
During the meeting, threadbare discussions were held with Forest officers which focused on improving access, enhancing visitor amenities, and creating livelihood opportunities for local populace of Langate and Kupwara through eco-guides, home-stays and nature-based activities.
Highlighting the valley’s immense potential as an ecotourism hotspot, the Conservator of Forests stressed the need for coordinated efforts between departments, Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs),Bangus Development Authority and local communities to make Bangus Valley a model for sustainable tourism in the region.
The Conservator of Forests immediately directed for carrying out Re-connisance and Technical surveys, assessing prospectus of pony tracks and levies , trekking routes development in and around valley from different drainages, Development of eco-huts and Nature interpretation signages.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelHe also directed for involvement of all stakeholders and wider consultations for development of Bangus Valley.
He said” The forest department’s efforts aim to develop it as a premier ecotourism site while conserving its unique ecological heritage”. “We will be soon organising Primrose Festival in collaboration with Tourism Department in Bangus valley to further promote Ecotourism and increase tourist footfall and generate livelihoods for locals”, he added.
The CoF also reviewed the physical and financial targets for the current fiscal under different schemes and directed for meeting out all targets well in time in Langate Forest Division.
The meeting among others was attended by Sh Ehjaj Pajwari, DFO Langate Forest Division, Sh Tariq Nazir Shah, Range officer Rajwar Range , Mohd Rafiq , Range officer Mawar Range , Bashir ahmad seer Range officer Rafiabad Range,Naseer Ahmad Range officer and Forest officials of North Forest Headquarters and Langate Forest Division.
The local people of Langate and Kupwara areas have expressed jubilence and expressed happiness upon the commitment of Forest Department in developing Bangus Valley as a model for eco-friendly tourism in the region.(KNS)