J&K Forest Department honors winners of inaugural forest photography competition

SRINAGAR, MAY 4:- Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force Sarvesh Rai felicitated the winners of the first-ever Forest Photography Competition today.

Organized by the Planning and Publicity Division of the Jammu and Kashmir Forest Department, the initiative was launched to document the region’s vast ecological heritage and encourage field staff to capture the diverse biodiversity, landscapes, and forest life of the Union Territory.

The event celebrated the efforts of frontline staff in using photography as a tool for conservation and environmental awareness.During the ceremony, Sarvesh Rai highlighted that the competition aims to showcase the unique beauty of Jammu and Kashmir’s forests while fostering a deeper culture of observation among department personnel.

The top honors were awarded to Abdul Qayoom Sofi in the birds category, Amir Shafi Rather for landscapes, and Hilal Ahmad Malik for his work documenting wildlife, people, and forest life.

The department noted that such initiatives help create a visual record of the ecosystem and strengthen the commitment of staff toward protecting the natural resources of the region.