In a major push towards strengthening eco-tourism and boosting employment opportunities in Jammu & Kashmir, Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, Cooperatives, and Elections, Javid Ahmad Dar, today inaugurated several key development projects in Baramulla district.

The Minister inaugurated newly constructed Block Officer Forest Huts at Kiter Daji and Ladua. He also laid foundation stones for upcoming Forest Eco-Parks at Harwan and an Inspection Forest Hut at Zaloora, Baramulla.

Addressing the gathering, Javid Dar underscored the strategic importance of these forest facilities, noting that the Forest Department has been developing Rest Houses and Inspection Huts in remote forest interiors not only for management and monitoring but also due to their unmatched scenic beauty.

“These forest locations, overlooking majestic mountain ranges and tranquil streams, are among the most pristine places in the region,” asserted the Minister. “To involve people in conservation efforts, the government has decided to open these Forest Rest Houses and Inspection Huts for the nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts and individuals committed to preserve our natural heritage.”

The Minister reaffirmed the government’s dedication towards promoting such sites under Eco and Broader Tourism development initiatives, emphasizing their potential to generate livelihood opportunities for the local communities.

Assuring residents of the area, he stated that all the pending public demands will be addressed on priority basis.

The event witnessed the presence of Chief Conservator of Forests, Kashmir, Irfan Rasool Wani; Conservator of Forests, North Circle, Irfan Ali Shah; Divisional Forest Officer Owais Farooq Mir, senior district administration officials and local residents.