District Development Commissioner, Rajouri Dr. Shahid Iqbal Choudhary inspected the Patli-Qila Eco-Park being developed at Kandi 25 Kilometres from Rajouri which is being developed as an ecotourism park with components of environmental and conservation education.DDC visited the various sections of Park being developed as Herbal Garden, Cactus Garden, Children Amusement Park, Residential log huts, botanical garden, water reservoirs, tracking paths and trails apart from plantation of ornamental saplings and flower beds. The park is being developed under convergence by Rural Development Department and Tourism Department in which a number of departments are contributing various components.District Administration has also coordinated with WWF-India for development of environment conservation study area, nature trail, wildlife exhibitions and a number of initiatives. Pankaj Chandan, Team Leader WWF also provided 10 camping tents and informed that WWF will develop solar power plan for Eco-Park and is working on an educational model.
Assistant Commissioner Development, Noor Alam presented a resume of developmental activities including chain-link fencing started for 276 Kanal land, construction of approach road, service road, tracks , water bodies and other assets. BDO Kotaranka Imtiaz Ahmed is Project Officer for Eco-Park and heading the execution team.Eco-Park is being developed as first of its kind destination for eco-tourism, children excursions, study tours, home-stays, amusement and different other activities. Special components are being designed for educational values particularly about local flora and fauna.The DDC directed that a group of 6-8 local youth should be trained to organise and host different activities and will be provided hnirarium and basic facilities. He also asked for mapping of hamlets around the park for the development to showcase local culture and promote home-stay concept to reflect the culture and traditions as well as daily life of people in the regions.SDM Koternaka Gopal Sharma, ExEn PHE Nissar Khan, DFO Rajouri Mushtaq Ahmed, Tehsildar Koteranka and officers from various departments were present on the occasion.