Bandipora, Apr 28: Gurez valley, Wular Lake and Chitternar in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district will see expanded eco-tourism infrastructure as part of efforts to promote sustainable tourism, Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) Kashmir Irfan Rasool Wani said on Tuesday.
Wani, who visited the Forest Training School at Chitternar, said the Forest Department is focusing on developing eco-tourism sites across the district while ensuring conservation of forest resources and biodiversity.
“Bandipora has immense potential for eco-tourism given its rich forests and natural landscapes. Gurez is being actively promoted, and camping sites have already been established there,” he said, adding that Haba Khatoon Park in Gurez is being developed and is expected to be inaugurated soon.
The CCF said the department is creating facilities such as viewpoints and resting points at Wular Lake to encourage tourists travelling towards Bandipora and Gurez to stop and experience the area.
He said eco-parks developed at various locations, including Chandaji, have led to an increase in tourist footfall since their inauguration last year, and more such sites are being identified for sustainable tourism development.
Addressing trainees of Foresters Batch 107 at the Chitternar training school, Wani stressed the need for balancing tourism promotion with forest conservation. He said forests remain critical for ecological stability, water conservation, soil protection and biodiversity.
“Forest conservation and development must be carried out with a scientific approach. Focused management of smaller forest compartments can yield better results with available resources,” he said.
The officer called for stronger afforestation measures, disease-free planning and regeneration of forests to maintain ecological balance.
Highlighting public participation, Wani said involvement of local communities and awareness among younger generations are key to long-term forest protection. The Forest Training School at Chitternar, he said, is being developed as an eco-tourism and learning centre. “The department plans to construct an eco-tourism hut there with a museum-like facility to educate students about forests, biodiversity and environmental conservation,” he added.
Wani urged the trainees to work with discipline and responsibility, describing them as “guardians of Kashmir’s green wealth”. He called for sustained efforts to protect forest resources while promoting eco-friendly tourism in the region. (KNO)
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