DFO Kamraj Conducts Surprise Inspection in Lolab Forest Areas – Alfaaz – The Words

Jahangir Lolabi

Kupwara: Divisional Forest Officer Kamraj Division, Kupwara, Owais Farooq Mir conducted a surprise inspection of Tekipora Beat in the Lolab Forest Range and visited Eco Park at Diver Karewan to review forest protection and eco tourism management here on Thursday.

During the inspection, the DFO visited Compartments 29 and 30 of the South Lolab Range to assess protection measures and verify the alertness of field staff. The focus remained on preventing forest damage and strengthening vigilance against illicit activities.

The Range Officer was directed to intensify patrolling in vulnerable areas, particularly the higher reaches of Compartments 28 and 29, which share boundaries with Compartments 23 and 25 of Zaloora Beat under Kandi Range. These areas have remained prone to forest damage, and sustained and coordinated patrolling was stressed as a key preventive measure.

The Forest Protection Force Reporting Centre was instructed to conduct regular joint patrols in identified vulnerable stretches to further strengthen the protection grid.

The DFO also reviewed forest operations under the ongoing Forest Development Corporation timber extraction coupe. He stressed strict compliance with approved working plans, environmental safeguards, and forest protection norms.

At Eco Park Diver Karwan, the DFO reviewed cleanliness, infrastructure maintenance, and visitor management. He emphasised the need to maintain ecological balance while promoting responsible eco tourism.

The DFO was accompanied by the Range Officer South Lolab, Athar Parvaiz In charge FPF Reporting Centre Sogam, field officials of the South Lolab Range, and Forest Development Corporation officials.

The Kamraj Forest Division reiterated its commitment to forest conservation through proactive supervision, effective coordination, and strict enforcement of forest laws.