The Conservator of Forests (CoF) South Forest Circle, Irfan Ali Shah today inspected Kulgam Forest Division and reviewed preparations being made for spring plantation including Chinar plantation and ongoing developmental works being executed under different schemes here.
The CoF on the occasion informed that under the flagship ‘Green J&K Drive program’, the plantation target for District Kulgam for this year was 2.69 Lacs saplings, out of which 1.85 lacs saplings have been planted till now and rest of the target will be achieved in next two weeks.
He also stressed on planting Chinar saplings on Chinar Day to be celebrated on 15th March, 2023. He stressed on involvement of Panchayati Raj Institutions, schools, colleges, District Administration including all line Departments in Greening initiatives.
He also directed for expediting preparations for upcoming World Forestry Day celebrations to be organised on 21st March, 2023. Later, CoF attended an innovative first of its kind ‘Forest Darbaar’ within the premises of Forest Complex Kulgam wherein he patiently listened to various grievances of forest frontline staff including Foresters, Forest Guards, Watchers, Chowkidars etc.
He took certain decisions on the spot for redressal of their bonafide grievances and also gave directions on issues like Benevolent Funds release and service matters of forest officials in a time bound manner.
The CoF distributed new uniform sets among the Forest Frontline staff and also customised smart phones among the forest check post staff for implementation of National Transit Pass System (NTPS).
He also planted a Chinar sapling during the event. Later, the CoF chaired an online meeting with all Divisional Forest officers (DFOs) and Range officers of South Forest Circle wherein threadbare discussions was held on implementation of Green India Mission and National Transit Pass System (NTPS), operationalization of Non Timber Forest Produce (NTFP) Policy and online monitoring of Plantation works through e-Green watch portal.
The CoF also inspected various Forest nurseries including Central Nursery, Soil Conservation nursery and Chamgund Conifer Nursery, Kulgam and directed for quality plant production on scientific lines and improvement of nursery based infrastructure.
He also inspected the under construction office of Block Forest officer Headquarters in the premises of Forest Complex Kulgam and directed for its early completion.
The CoF also interacted with a delegation of various representatives and members from Gujjar and Bakerwal community led by DDC Member Manzgam, Choudary Jameela.
The DDC member put forth various grievances and issues being faced by Tribal Community in District Kulgam including implementation of Forest Rights Act (FRA).
The CoF stressed on protection of rights and interests of Tribal and other Communities including Gujjar, Bakerwal, Chopan, Pahari and other Traditional Forest Dwellers.
He directed an awareness program on FRA in all forest blocks of Kulgam in collaboration with members from Tribal communities and Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs).
He also inspected Forest Checkpost Chawalgam where he reviewed functionality of CCTV system and upgradation work carried out recently. He directed for installation of CCTVs at every Forest Check post for enhanced surveillance and for keeping eye on the movement of forest produce.
The CoF was accompanied by DFO Kulgam Forest Division, Syed Wasim Gul; Range officer Headquarters, Range officer Veshew Range, Range officer DH Pora, Range officer Control Room and other Forest officials.