Minister Javed Ahmed Rana presides over Passing-Out Parade of 152 Forest Guards; inaugurates eco-restoration site in Bandipora

• Forest personnel are frontline defenders of our biodiversity: Javed Rana

BANDIPORA: Minister for Forests, Ecology and Environment, Javed Ahmed Rana today presided over passing-out parade of 152 newly trained forest guards from the 71st and 73rd batches of the Forest Training School (FTS) Bandipora.

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; along with other Senior officers of the Forest and other allied Departments were also present on the occasion.

Addressing the gathering, Minister Rana commended the dedication, discipline and endurance demonstrated by the recruits during their training period. He exhorted upon them to dedicate themselves towards protection of forest resources of Jammu & Kashmir.

He lauded the frontline staff for their dedication towards conserving forest resources and urged the new recruits to stay alert against fires and encroachments to safeguard J&K’s green wealth.

He lauded the unwavering commitment of the forest personnel, describing them as the “frontline defenders” of Jammu and Kashmir’s invaluable forest wealth and biodiversity. “Our forests are not merely natural resources, they are lifelines that support water, climate stability, livelihoods and cultural identity. Safeguarding them is our moral and environmental responsibility,” he remarked.

Reaffirming the Omar Abdullah Government’s steadfast commitment to sustainable and people-centric governance, Rana highlighted a series of policy measures aimed at ensuring ecological security alongside social equity. He underscored ongoing reforms to empower tribal and forest-dependent communities through community forestry programs, green job initiatives and eco-friendly livelihood opportunities. “True conservation is achieved when the people living closest to nature are active participants in its protection and beneficiaries of its prosperity,” he added.

Minister Rana also appreciated the officers and trainers of the Forest Training School for maintaining high standards of instruction and instilling professionalism among the recruits. He assured that the government remains committed to strengthening human resource capacity in the Forest Department through enhanced training, technology adoption and infrastructure improvements.

The Minister also felicitated the best-performing trainees of the 71st, 72nd and 73rd Forest Guard Training Courses, appreciating their dedication, discipline and commitment to protecting the region’s rich forest resources.

Speaking on the occasion, Suresh Kumar Gupta said that the forest frontline staff plays an important role in forest protection and their sustainable management. Later, Javed Rana also inaugurated a newly developed Forest Park and Eco-Restoration Site at Chandaji, Bandipora, an initiative aimed at promoting environmental sustainability and revitalizing degraded land through eco-friendly restoration practices.

 MLA Bandipora, Nizam-ud-din Bhat; MLA Sonawari, Hilal Akbar Lone; PCCF, Suresh Kumar Gupta and other district officers were present at the inaugural event. After inaugurating the Eco-park, Minister Rana highlighted the innovative transformation of a former dumping ground into a vibrant green space, terming it a ‘win-win initiative in the fight against environmental degradation and climate change’.

He noted that the project exemplifies the government’s commitment to responsible land management and circular use of natural resources. The Minister emphasized that such initiatives not only contribute to ecological balance but also enhance the aesthetic and recreational value of the region.

He further observed that the new Forest Park is expected to emerge as a major tourist attraction for visitors en-route scenic Gurez Valley, providing much-needed boost to eco-tourism and local livelihoods.

The Minister also appreciated the efforts of Forest Department officials, local stakeholders and community volunteers whose contributions made the project possible. He urged citizens to take collective responsibility in preserving natural resources and supporting green initiatives that build climate resilience and long-term environmental health.

Pertinently, the eco-restoration site, created by repurposing soil from the erstwhile dumping area, now serves as a thriving green zone featuring native tree species, walking trails, way-side car parking facility and eco-awareness installations.