SRINAGAR, OCTOBER 08 (KNS) : Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, Thursday e-inaugurated and e-laid foundation stones for four projects under the Forest, Ecology & Environment Departments across Budhal, Thanamandi and Rajouri constituencies.

The projects, funded under UT Capex and having a combined cost of ?131.71 lakh, are aimed at promoting eco-tourism, providing recreational spaces to local communities and strengthening forest and wildlife protection infrastructure.

The projects included two eco-parks in Nanga Thub (Bakori) and Nambal (Budhal), each being developed at an estimated cost of ?40 lakh under the Rajouri Forest Division. The foundation stones for both projects were laid in presence of MLA Budhal, Javid Iqbal Choudhary.

The Minister also laid the foundation stone for a Forest Check Post at Darhal, to be constructed under the Rajouri Forest Division at an estimated cost of ?11.71 lakh under UT Capex 2026-27, in presence of MLA Thanamandi, Muzaffer Iqbal Khan.

He also e-inaugurated the Range Office Building at Rajouri, constructed by the Department of Wildlife Protection at a cost of ?40 lakh, in presence of MLA Rajouri, Iftkhar Ahmed.

Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that the projects reflect the Government’s commitment to balance the environmental conservation with development while creating quality recreational and eco-tourism facilities for local communities.

Highlighting the importance of eco-parks in Jammu and Kashmir, Rana said that such initiatives promote harmony between nature, forests, wildlife and local communities while creating opportunities for eco-tourism and ecological restoration. He emphasised the need to develop eco-parks and undertake conservation measures in a manner that safeguards the natural environment while providing quality recreational spaces and sustainable livelihood opportunities for local communities.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

“These eco-parks will provide quality public spaces for the people and promote eco-tourism while the forest check post and Range Office will further strengthen the protection, monitoring and management of our forests and wildlife,” he said.

Rana directed the officers concerned to ensure timely completion of the ongoing works and maintain the prescribed quality standards. He asked them to ensure proper upkeep of the facilities after their completion so that these serve the intended purpose and benefit the local population.

The Minister also reviewed the ongoing soil conservation and forest protection measures being undertaken across the concerned constituencies and called for a focused approach towards preventing soil erosion, protecting vulnerable slopes and strengthening measures for conservation of natural resources. He directed the officers to identify the vulnerable areas on priority and undertake appropriate soil conservation works in a timely manner, particularly in areas prone to erosion and degradation.

Rana stressed the need for effective coordination between the concerned departments and field functionaries to ensure that conservation measures yield sustainable results on the ground. He directed the officers to closely monitor the progress of works, ensure adherence to prescribed quality standards and complete all ongoing projects within the stipulated timelines. He further called for proper maintenance of the completed facilities and regular field-level monitoring to ensure their optimum utilisation for the benefit of local communities.

Chief wildlife warden, DFO Rajouri, Warden Poonch-Rajouri Range along with other officers were present on the occasion.(KNS)