Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 25: The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force in J&K, Dr Mohit Gera along with Conservator of Forests, Chenab Circle, Sat Paul conducted extensive tour of Doda, Kishtwar and Ramban besides parts of Udhampur to review Forest Department functioning amid current lockdown situation.
PCCF on reaching Batote interacted with the front line staff and listened to their problems faced during current situation. Later, he along with Conservator of Forests, Chenab Circle and DFO Bhaderwah and other officials inspected mechanical cutters seized by Bhaderwah Forest Division during patrolling of vulnerable forest areas. The team later visited Puneja-I Block of Neeru Forest Range of Bhaderwah Forest Division.
During this visit, protection issues of this area were deliberated. The issues of fire wood damage during winters by adjoining villages especially, Thanala area was highlighted. The concerned officials took PCCF to Khani Top where he gave directions to staff to remain more vigilant. He also inspected Adkhar forest demarcation work.
In Hanga forest area, Dr Gera inspected the demarcation work completed in various compartments. Then he travelled to Jai-I Block of Chiralla Range, where the DFO Bhaderwah explained about topography of different compartments and socio-economic condition of locals. He advised the officials to come up with holistic proposal on involvement of locals by improving their livelihood through sustainable extraction of minor forest produce by involving SHGs and distribution of fuel saving devices under CAMPA. DFO Bhaderwah was directed to devise a 5-year prospective plan for forest protection in the area.
Later, at a meeting with CF Chenab Circle and all other DFOs of the Circle and Dy Director, FPF, the PCCF asked them to strengthen protection network. He projected the need to provide online training on Acts and Rules to the front-line staff to build their capacity on legal matters. A field visit was also conducted to inspect Chapnari Nursery in Siraj Range.
Gera also visited Marmat Range of Batote Forest Division and inspected the damage to Banj trees that had taken place during an attempt to construct a link road to village Shree. PCCF encouraged the field functionaries and asked them to ensure protection of forests. The CF, DFO and staff were directed to ensure the increased vigil to vulnerable forest areas along with the officials of FPF, enhance night patrolling and provisioning of necessary equipment to staff like high beam torches, mobility, establishing temporary chowkis and strengthening the intelligence network.
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