Srinagar: Principal Secretary, Irrigation and Flood Control (I&FC), Ashok Kumar Parmar today visited Hokersar wetland and took stock of ongoing works being carried out there for the restoration of the wetland.
The Principal Secretary was accompanied by Chief Engineer, I&FC, Kashmir, Naresh Kumar, S.E Hydraulic Circle, Budgam, Executive Engineer, Narbal, and other senior officers of the department.
During the visit, the Principal Secretary highlighted that the wetlands are biological hotspots and play vital roles in the conservation as well as ecological balance of nature. He remarked that Hokersar wetland needs to be developed as a tourist destination as it attracts beautiful migratory birds and Aves from Siberia and other cold places giving breathtaking sight to visitors.
Interacting with officers during the visit, the Principal Secretary sought information about the status of the proposed gates at the entry and exit of Hokarsar wetland besides other technicalities of the works being carried out at the wetland.
The Chief Engineer, I&FC Kashmir informed the Principal Secretary that the department is going to construct two gates at the entry and exit of Hokarsar wetland. He added that the width of the gates is 80m each and the height is 3m each. The purpose of the gates is to ensure all season inundation of the Hokarsar so that the wetland provides a safe habitat to the migratory birds particularly during the winter season.
The Chief Engineer also apprised the Principal Secretary that the gates are automatically controlled with all the digital control systems and have sufficient provision for energy backup. He added that the gates are being constructed by the I&FC department to comply with the NGT guidelines with respect to the wetlands.
Meanwhile, the Principal Secretary also visited the site of Flood Spill Channel at Shareef Abad bridge and reviewed the progress on restoring the Flood Spill Channel there.
