SRINAGAR: In a major breakthrough against forest land encroachment, the Forest Department in North Kashmir carried out extensive anti-encroachment operations across various Forest Divisions within the North Forest Circle. These meticulously planned and executed drives resulted in the retrieval of hundreds of kanals of valuable forest land . reaffirming the department’s unwavering commitment to protecting and preserving the North Kashmir’s Forests.
The operations, conducted over the past one week targeted illegal Forest encroachments that had unlawfully occupied significant tracts of forest land. Through a coordinated effort involving dedicated Forest Department Territorial personnel, Forest Protection Force Baramulla , Langate, Kehmil and Kupwara Gamma Units these encroachments, ranging from illegal temporary stone and wood walling to agricultural expansions, were successfully dismantled and the land restored to its original status as forest area.
As per reports ,anti encroachment drive was carried out in Bakhihakar Forest , Rajwar Range of Langate Forest Division. 100 kanals of Forest land illegally occupied by seven encroachers was cleared off encroachments.In another Encroachment Eviction drive, carried out in Co 77 NH Manigah block, Kupwara Range of Kamraj Forest Division large chunks of Forest land was cleared off encroachments. Many structures were razed to ground by Joint forces of Territorial Forest Department and Forest Protection Force without any resistance.
“This massive anti-encroachment drive is a testament to our resolve to safeguard our precious forest resources for future generations,” stated Conservator of Forests, Kashmir North Forest Circle ,Sh Irfan Ali Shah(IFS).”Illegal encroachments not only degrade our environment but also disrupt the delicate ecological balance. We will continue to take stringent action against any attempt to usurp forest land.The retrieved land, amounting to several hundred kanals, will now be brought under intensive afforestation and conservation programs to further enhance the green cover and biodiversity of the region.”
The proactive and decisive action of the Forest Department has been widely lauded by civil society organizations and local communities. Representatives from various environmental groups and residents expressed their appreciation for the department’s efforts in reclaiming Forest land and preserving the natural beauty of the North Forest Circle.”We hail this exemplary action by the Forest Department,” remarked Mr Nazir Ahmad a prominent civil society and Environment activist. “It sends a strong message that encroachment on public land will not be tolerated. This is a crucial step towards sustainable development and environmental protection.”
The Forest Department reiterated its appeal to the public to cooperate in identifying and reporting any instances of encroachment on forest land.
