Pir Azhar U Din
Kupwara,19th August, 2026: Demonstrating a resolute commitment to good forest governance and grassroots engagement, the Conservator of Forests (CoF), North Circle Sopore, Shri Irfan Ali Shah, IFS, chaired a comprehensive Tribal Forest Meet and Public Darbar at Hengnikote within the Kehmil Forest Division today.The high-level outreach program brought forest administration directly to the doorsteps of remote tribal and forest-dependent communities from Hengnikote, Dringyari, Marsari, Meelyal, and surrounding areas.
The focus was on Empowering Livelihoods through Walnut-Based Afforestation.The event underscored community-centric ecological restoration, culminating in a ceremonial plantation drive under the Green J&K Drive 2026-27 at Walnut Van, Hangnikote. By planting walnut saplings alongside local community members, the department reinforced its vision of blending forest conservation with traditional, high-value walnut-based agrarian livelihoods.
Recognizing the region’s immense natural potential, extensive deliberations were held on eco-development. Plans were finalized to develop trekking routes and mountain trails along the Badi Behak–Belian–Encha Top corridor, seamlessly connecting with Hengnikote to catalyze nature-based tourism.
The CoF conducted an on-site inspection of the proposed Dedikote Eco Park, issuing directives to shape it into a model facility prioritizing environmental sustainability and green recreation.
A strategic online review was conducted with the project consultancy firm to expedite Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for comprehensive ecotourism development across the Bungus Valley this year .
A core focus of the interactive session was addressing pending claims under the Forest Rights Act. Assuring prompt administrative intervention, the CoF reiterated the department’s dedication to securing statutory rights for tribal stakeholders through transparent, participatory forest management. Joined by Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Kehmil, Shri Faisal Farooq, (SFS),the leadership addressed community requirements concerning legitimate timber and firewood allocation under the Kashmir Forest Notice, alongside sustainable fodder collection protocols.
The tribal leaders thanked the Forest Department for coming to their doorsteps to redress and listen to their greviances . They appreciated the on the spot directions given by CoF North Circle to field officers for development of Ecotourism and Walnut based livelihoods in tribal belts.
