Rana Inaugurates City Forest Park at Batote, Boosting Eco-Tourism and Green Infrastructure

GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL 

BATOTE, APRIL 23:- Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmad Rana today inaugurated the City Forest Park at Batote, marking a significant step toward strengthening green infrastructure and promoting eco-tourism in the region. He was accompanied by Legislators Sajjad Shaheen and Arjun Singh Raju.

Developed by the Jammu and Kashmir Forest Department, the City Forest Park has been established over an area of 12 hectares at an estimated cost of ₹62 lakh.

The initiative is aimed at creating a vibrant recreational green space for both residents and visitors, while simultaneously advancing ecological conservation and fostering environmental awareness.

The park has been thoughtfully designed with eco-friendly amenities to enhance visitor experience while maintaining sustainability.

Key features include scenic viewpoints offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape, a 50-metre walking trail for nature enthusiasts, a wooden bridge adding both functionality and aesthetic appeal, and soil and moisture conservation measures such as Dry Rubble Stone Masonry (DRSM).

Adequate waste management infrastructure, including strategically placed dustbins, has also been installed to ensure cleanliness and environmental hygiene.

Addressing the gathering, the Minister underscored the growing importance of urban forest spaces in improving environmental quality and public well-being.

He emphasized that such initiatives not only encourage community participation in conservation efforts but also serve as catalysts for nature-based tourism.

Highlighting the broader environmental impact, he noted that projects like the City Forest Park contribute meaningfully to climate resilience while offering accessible, healthy recreational avenues for the public.

Outlining future plans, the Minister announced several proposed enhancements to further enrich the park.

These include the construction of an additional wooden bridge, development of a dedicated children’s park, establishment of a thematic Nagar Van, creation of a selfie point to attract younger visitors, and the addition of more viewpoints to elevate the overall visitor experience.

Senior officials from the Forest Department were present on the occasion, including Dr. V. Senthil Kumar, Chief Conservator of Forests, Jammu, and Dr. A. D. Singh, Conservator of Forests, Chenab Circle, along with officers from various departments and local stakeholders.

The inauguration of the City Forest Park marks yet another milestone in the government’s ongoing commitment to environmental conservation, sustainable tourism, and the development of green public spaces across Jammu and Kashmir.