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J&K Forest Department Creates Eco-Friendly City Forest Near Batote for Green Spaces

The Jammu and Kashmir Forest Department has developed an eco-friendly city forest near Batote in Ramban district, focusing on minimal concrete use and natural wood infrastructure. The forest features walking trails, viewpoints, and wooden benches for relaxation and recreation. Conservator of Forests Arshdeep Singh stated the initiative aligns with the central government's policy to expand urban green spaces across towns and cities. The project aims to provide fresh air and environmental awareness to residents and tourists, especially as Kashmir sees a rise in visitors during May.

Key Points: Eco-Friendly City Forest Near Batote Promotes Green Spaces

  • Minimal concrete intervention with wooden infrastructure
  • Two viewpoints and walking trails installed
  • Part of Centre's push for urban green spaces
  • Initiative aims to promote environmental awareness and healthier lifestyles
3 min read

J-K Forest Department develops eco-friendly city forest near Batote to promote green spaces

J&K Forest Department develops a new eco-friendly city forest near Batote in Ramban, featuring wooden trails and viewpoints to promote relaxation and environmental awareness.

"As pollution is increasing, people can breathe fresh air, sit there, and enjoy with their families. - Arshdeep Singh"

Ramban, May 7

In line with the Centre's push to expand urban green spaces, the Jammu and Kashmir Forest Department has developed a new eco-friendly city forest near Batote town in Ramban district, offering residents and tourists a natural space for relaxation and recreation.

Conservator of Forests, Chenab Circle, Arshdeep Singh, said the initiative focuses on minimal concrete intervention, with wooden infrastructure, walking trails, viewpoints, and landscaped surroundings aimed at encouraging environmental awareness and healthier lifestyles.

Singh said that the central government's objective has been that in all our towns or cities where there are natural forest patches or green patches, better facilities should be provided to the public. There, they can come and sit, relax, and meditate.

"In this context, in recent days, the J&K Forest Department identified a city forest patch near Batote town. We have fenced it nicely. With minimal intervention, we mean that the concrete work is kept to a minimum and natural woodwork is used. Similarly, wooden benches have been installed. An artistic gate has been put up after the fencing. Inside, walking trails have been made and after that, we have built two viewpoints for sitting," he said.

"This park was inaugurated by our Honourable Forest Minister recently. Not only are we doing this here in the Ramban district, but such initiatives are being taken across Jammu and Kashmir. City parks, eco-parks, or Nagar Vans (city forests) are being built all over J&K. This initiative of the department will continue further. Wherever we have space, we will develop them so that as pollution is increasing, people can breathe fresh air, sit there, and enjoy with their families. We will continue to develop such things," Singh said.

He emphasised that this larger part is a policy of the central government, specifically the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change.

"As the environment is changing, it also works to raise awareness among people. It makes people aware that when they come to such patches and associate with nature, they also promote greenery in their surroundings. So, wherever we have towns or a sizable tourist population or local population who want it, we are developing these areas," Arshdeep Singh said.

Meanwhile, in the month of May, Kashmir is seeing a rise in the number of tourists as people from different places come to enjoy its beauty. Visitors are especially loving the calm Dal Lake and the cool, pleasant morning.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Batote is already so beautiful with its pine forests, but adding proper walking trails and viewpoints will make it even better for tourists and locals alike. I just hope the maintenance is consistent - many such parks in J&K become neglected after a year or two. Also, they should ensure no plastic or littering spoils the natural vibe. 🌲
S
Sarah B
Wonderful to see eco-tourism and conservation going hand in hand! I visited Kashmir last year and the natural beauty is unmatched. A city forest with wooden benches and walking trails sounds like a dream for meditation and family outings. Hope they add some native plant signage to educate visitors about local biodiversity too. 🍃
V
Vikram M
As someone working in tourism, this is a smart move. Batote is a pit stop for travelers going to Jammutawi or Srinagar - having a clean, green space will encourage people to stop and spend time there, benefiting local shops and restaurants. But please ensure the toilets are clean and maintained - that's always the weak link in our public spaces. 😅
K
Kavya N
I'm glad the central government is pushing for Nagar Vans - every city needs a lung space. But I wish they'd focus more on preserving existing forests rather than just creating new parks in tourist areas. What about regular townspeople who don't travel to Batote? Urban green spaces in smaller towns deserve equal attention. Still, a step in the right direction 👍
R
Rohit P
Minimal concrete intervention - that's the key phrase! We've seen how concretizing riverbanks and

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