PCCF undertakes inspection of Sindh Forest division

Srinagar, Sep 15: B K Singh, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) and Head of Forest Force (HoFF), Jammu & Kashmir, conducted an inspection visit to the Sindh Forest Division, Ganderbal.

He was accompanied by Tawheed Ahmad Deva, Conservator of Forests, Srinagar Circle & Regional Wildlife Warden, Kashmir.

During the visit, B K Singh inspected the Malhar Hi-Tech Nursery, where he emphasised the importance of species diversification , saplings of 3, 5 and 7 years, wider participation of female workers in nursery work and well laid out nursery. However, he emphasised the need for videographic documentation of activities for future reference.

He also took a detailed review of the protection measures in place across the division. Later, he also visited Sonamarg, Sind Forest Range. During the tour, there was a comprehensive discussion on the pressing issue of man-animal conflict.

As a long-term solution to mitigate this issue, B K Singh suggested habitat augmentation to increase the prey base in natural forests, which would contribute to reducing human-wildlife encounters.  B K Singh appreciated the better coordination between forest officials and staff.

The Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Sindh, Danish Khan, SFS, along with  Jawad ul Hassan, Deputy Director FPF Ganderbal; Mohammad Ashraf, Range Officer Sindh; Mohammad Yousuf Magray, Assistant Director FPF; and  Fayaz Ahmad, Block Officer, along with the staff of both the Territorial and Forest Protection Force (FPF) were present during the visit.

In addition to the inspection,  B K Singh interacted with the field staff to gain firsthand insights into the challenges they face while performing their duties. He assured the staff that necessary steps would be taken to address the concerns regarding parity, promotions and to improve working conditions.