Bandipora, Mar 23: The historic Kashmir Forest Training School at Chittarnar, Bandipora, has finally received approval for its much-needed upgrade, marking a major development in forestry training in Jammu and Kashmir.
Established in 1911, the Chittarnar Forest Training School is one of the oldest forestry training institutions in India. Over the decades, it has played a crucial role in training Foresters, Deputy Foresters, Forest Guards, and Watchers, strengthening the J&K’s forest management and conservation efforts. So far, 1,577 Foresters and 1,420 Forest Guards have completed their training at the institute.
The government while announcing the upgradation said that it will enhance the infrastructure and training capacity of one of India’s oldest forestry training institutions. It said that the proposal for financial assistance will be submitted to the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Government of India, to support the expansion and modernization of the facility.
The upgradation is expected to introduce better training facilities, modern equipment, and improved accommodation for trainees.
The decision comes after repeated demands for improving the institute’s infrastructure to meet the evolving challenges in forestry and climate change.
Officials said that upgrading the school will strengthen forest conservation, wildlife protection, and environmental sustainability in Jammu and Kashmir.
MLA Nizamuddin Bhat, representing Bandipora, expressed gratitude to the Minister for Forests for conceding to this demand during the Assembly session. He emphasised the importance of upgrading the school to meet modern forestry challenges, enhance conservation efforts, and provide quality training to forest personnel.
