19/05/2026
SRINAGAR, MAY 19 — To fortify forest protection and combat anti-forest activities, the Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) Kashmir, Mr. Irfan Rasool Wani, IFS, chaired a review meeting today at the Forest Headquarters in Sheikhbagh, Srinagar. The meeting focused on reviewing the territorial Forest Division Bandipora, with a particular emphasis on standard operating procedures (SOPs) for forest protection and forest fire prevention and management.
The review was attended by the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Bandipora, Deputy Director of the Forest Protection Force (FPF) Bandipora, alongside Range Officers, Assistant Directors, and concerned Block Forest Officers. Given the rising vulnerability of forest zones to fire incidents and the urgent need to curb illicit activities, the discussions centered on sharpening the department's preparedness and deployment strategies.
Addressing the officials, CCF Irfan Rasool Wani underscored the necessity of shifting toward highly proactive enforcement measures. He issued strict directives to intensify patrolling across vulnerable sectors, enforce rigorous action against forest encroachers, and rapidly retrieve illegally occupied forest land.
To ensure an airtight defense against timber smuggling and illegal transit, the CCF mandated Immediate activation and seamless operations of joint forest control rooms.CCF Kashmir a divided the Officers to ensure that field staff are fully equipped and prepared for immediate deployment to counter any anti-forest threats.
Recognizing the vital role local communities play in conservation, Mr. Wani further directed field officers to organize public meetings and darbars. These grassroots interactions are aimed at directly addressing community concerns, building trust, and fostering collaborative public participation in overall forest safeguarding.
Additionally, addressing environmental sustainability, the chair directed strict adherence to the latest Solid Waste Management Rules for the proper disposal of waste within forest areas, ensuring the ecosystem remains clean, healthy, and pristine.