Rana presides over passing-out parade of Forest Guards at Bandipora; Inaugurates Forest Park, Eco-restoration site at Chandaji
BANDIPORA: Minister for Forests, Ecology and Environment, Javed Ahmed Rana, today presided over the passing-out parade of 152 newly trained Forest Guards from the 71st and 73rd batches of the Forest Training School (FTS) Bandipora.
The event was attended by MLA Bandipora Nizam-ud-din Bhat, MLA Gurez Nazir Ahmad Khan, MLA Sonawari Hilal Akbar Lone, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Suresh Kumar Gupta, Chief Conservator of Forests Kashmir Irfan Rasool Wani, Conservator of Forests North Circle Irfan Ali Shah, and senior officers of the Forest and allied departments.
In his address, Minister Rana commended the recruits for their discipline, commitment, and endurance during the training period. He urged them to dedicate themselves to the protection and sustainable management of Jammu and Kashmir’s forest resources, stressing vigilance against forest fires and encroachments.
Calling forest personnel the “frontline defenders” of J&K’s biodiversity, Rana said, “Our forests are not just natural assets—they are lifelines that sustain our water, climate, livelihoods, and cultural identity. Safeguarding them is both a moral and environmental duty.”
Reaffirming the Omar Abdullah Government’s focus on sustainable, people-centric governance, the Minister outlined several measures aimed at ensuring ecological security and social equity. He highlighted ongoing reforms to empower tribal and forest-dependent communities through community forestry, green jobs, and eco-friendly livelihood initiatives. “True conservation happens when local communities become partners and beneficiaries in protecting nature,” he said.
Rana also lauded the Forest Training School’s officers and trainers for maintaining high instructional standards and nurturing professionalism among recruits. He assured continued government support to strengthen human resource capacity through advanced training, technology integration, and improved infrastructure.
The Minister felicitated top-performing trainees from the 71st, 72nd, and 73rd batches, applauding their dedication and sense of duty toward preserving the region’s forest wealth.
Speaking on the occasion, PCCF Suresh Kumar Gupta emphasized the vital role of frontline forest staff in conservation and sustainable forest management.
Later, Minister Rana inaugurated a newly developed Forest Park and Eco-Restoration Site at Chandaji, Bandipora — an initiative focused on environmental sustainability and the rehabilitation of degraded lands through eco-friendly practices. The inauguration was attended by MLA Nizam-ud-din Bhat, MLA Hilal Akbar Lone, PCCF Suresh Kumar Gupta, and other district officers.
Highlighting the project’s success, Rana said the site’s transformation from a former dumping ground into a vibrant green space represents “a win-win step in combating environmental degradation and climate change.” He added that the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to responsible land use and the circular management of natural resources.
The Minister said such projects not only restore ecological balance but also add recreational and aesthetic value to the landscape. The new Forest Park, he noted, is poised to become a major eco-tourism attraction along the route to Gurez Valley, offering a boost to local livelihoods.
Rana appreciated the joint efforts of the Forest Department, local communities, and volunteers in making the project a reality. He urged citizens to join hands in conserving natural resources and supporting initiatives that build environmental resilience.
Notably, the eco-restoration site—developed by repurposing soil from the former dumping area—now features native tree species, walking trails, a way-side parking facility, and eco-awareness installations, symbolizing a successful model of sustainable land recovery.
