Srinagar: The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) and Head of Forest Force (HOFF), J&K, S K Gupta carried an extensive tour of various Forest Divisions of North Kashmir during which he inspected ongoing construction work of Forest Check Post at Trumgund near Hygam in JV Forest Division, Baramulla where he directed for completion of remaining works and making FCP functional at earliest.
He also inspected Reshwari Forest Rest House (FRH), in Mawar Range of Langate Forest Division where he also convened a review meeting of all Divisional Forest Officers from the Circle. The officials on the occasion presented detailed report on ongoing forestry works.
PCCF also assessed several key infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing the visitor experience in the Bungus Valley.
He inspected newly constructed Bungus Visitor Centre, a state-of-the-art facility designed to provide information on the valley’s rich biodiversity and ecotourism opportunities.
Gupta also checked the camping site, view points, walking trails and newly built block officer’s hut and a modern wayside amenity developed by Forest Department.
Further, PCCF also inaugurated and dedicated to public a 20 km trek route connecting Badi Behak – Duddi – Lashar – Bangus. The route has been developed in three phases from Badi Behak to Duddi Behak (8 km), Duddi to Lashar Valley (4 km), Lashar Valley to Bangus (8 km).
The initiative aims at positioning Bangus as a model off-beat eco-tourism destination, thereby attracting nature enthusiasts and adventure tourists.
Gupta was accompanied by Senior Forest Officers including Irfan Rasool Wani, Chief Conservator of Forests Kashmir, Irfan Ali Shah, Conservator of Forests for North Kashmir, Divisional Forest Officers of Langate, Kehmil, Kamraj and Baramulla Forest Divisions, Deputy Directors of the Forest Protection Force from North Kashmir and all Range officers.