Forest Department in collaboration with District Administration Anantnag celebrates ‘International Biodiversity Day’
ANANTNAG : As part of International Biodiversity Day celebrations, the Forest Department Forest Division Anantnag today organized an Environmental Awareness programme at Shemstar International School, Levdoora Qazigund.
The Deputy Commissioner (DC) Anantnag, Dr. Piyush Singla was the Chief Guest while Conservator of Forests, Irfan Ali Shah was also present at the mega event
Speaking at the event, the DC informed that the Forest Department is promoting Eco-tourism in the district and appreciated various initiatives of Forest Department for protection and conservation of Forest resources.
He appreciated the efforts of Forest Department, Conservator of Forests along with DFO Anantnag for achieving 100 percent targets during the year 2021-22 for accelerating greening efforts in the District. He also appreciated M Rafiq Khan, Founder Shemstar International School for his whole hearted support to the social causes.
The Conservator of Forests, South Kashmir, Irfan Ali Shah in his address informed that Forest department has opened several Trek Routes for nature lovers. He impressed upon students to connect to forests and environment and develop a sense of belonging towards them.
He stressed on generating local livelihoods so that local people get benefitted and develop a new connect with the forests. He also informed that Forest Department will organize skill development and Training camps for local youth as Trek guides, which will generate employment for them. He also requested the Education Department for organizing trekking programs as per age groups for college students and school children.
The Conservator of Forests said that Department has opened up Forest Rest Houses for online booking and requested the school authorities to visit these offbeat destinations.
Divisional Forest Officer Anantnag, Mohammad Ramzan Mir; SDPO Qazigund, Govind; SDM Dooru, Tehsildar Dooru, Forest Officers, Doctors, Engineers, Sarpanches, BDC members and locals in large numbers participated in the programme.
The programme was also attended by 1500 students along with Principal, Teachers. The founder of Shemstar International School and noted Social worker, Mohammad Rafiq Khan was also present on the occasion.
An award distribution ceremony was also held on the said occasion. Students, Officers of local administration were given the awards for outstanding performance in their respective fields. The leading media persons who have earned fame in the field of professional journalism in Anantnag District were also felicitated by Deputy Commissioner Anantnag and Conservator of Forests South Circle.
Cultural and creative programmes were also presented by the students on the said occasion where students showcased their skills depicting different themes of Environmental conservation, preservation and importance of Water bodies and Forest Protection.
Later, the Conservator of Forests also visited the Forest Check Post Levdoora, Qazigund which was thrown open for the service of the people, where he directed for enhanced surveillance.