Kupwara, Oct 3 (KNS): Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF), Kashmir Region, Irfan Rasool Wani on Saturday conducted a field visit to Kehmil and Langate Forest Divisions of North Forest Circle to review ongoing eco-tourism and infrastructure development works.

During his visit to Langate Forest Division, the CCF inspected the Forest Complex Langate and reviewed the progress of newly initiated infrastructure works. He directed the concerned officers to ensure timely completion of the projects as per approved plans and prescribed quality standards.

Wani also inspected the Reshwari Eco-Tourism Site and reviewed the eco-development activities there. He directed officials to upgrade the Reshwari trekking route, undertake soil and moisture conservation measures along Mawar Nallah and upgrade the existing eco-tourism hut.

He also inspected the upcoming Reshwari Eco Park and called for its early completion and opening for visitors.

The CCF directed officials to prepare a detailed project report regarding fallen timber lying along the road leading to Bangus Valley, with a view to properly inventory the available timber and firewood resources and make them available for public use before winter.

He also reviewed the proposed site for the Langate-Bangus Visitors Centre and directed the redevelopment of the Bungus Eco-Tourism Visitors Centre to make it nature-compatible and visitor-friendly.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

During his visit to Kehmil Forest Division, Wani inspected eco-tourism huts at Bungus Valley, Tee Pee Point and Jungle Bagh and issued directions for their upgradation and modernisation. A plantation drive was also held at the Jungle Bagh Eco-Tourism Site.

The CCF further inspected the High Altitude Jungle Training Camp being developed at Lokut Bungus and reviewed the progress of the project. The facility is aimed at providing training opportunities for forest officers and nature enthusiasts.

Wani stressed that eco-tourism and infrastructure projects should strike a balance between visitor convenience, local accessibility and ecological sustainability. He also emphasised quality execution, realistic estimates, timely completion, regular field monitoring and proper maintenance of developed assets.

He was accompanied by Conservator of Forests, North Forest Circle, Sopore, Irfan Ali Shah; DFO JV Zahid Aslam Mughal; DFO Kehmil Faisal Farooq; DFO Langate Aihzaz Ahmad Pajwari; DFO Social Forestry Division Kupwara Bilal Ahmad; Assistant Director, Forest Protection Force, Manmeet Singh, besides concerned Range Officers, Foresters and other field functionaries. (KNS)