Jammu: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday chaired the 6th meeting of Wildlife Board for the UT of J&K, at Lok Bhavan.
According to an official press release, the meeting was attended by Javed Ahmed Rana, Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs Departments; Dr. Devinder Kumar Manyal and Mian Mehar Ali, Members of Legislative Assembly; Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary; Dr Mandeep K. Bhandari, Principal Secretary to LG; Sheetal Nanda, Commissioner Secretary to Government, Forest, Ecology & Environment; Suresh Kumar Gupta, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests & HoFF; Sarvesh Rai, PCCF/Chief Wildlife Warden, J&K; Sujit Kumar, IGP Security; eminent Conservationists, Ecologists, Environmentalists, representatives of Army and NGOs dealing with Wildlife, and other board members.
The Board accorded wildlife clearance to several projects and recommended some proposals to the National Board of Wildlife for final approval. These included projects of 4G-saturation, Jal Jeevan Mission, re-alignment of transmission lines, setting up of border security posts, development of horticulture nursery and installation of avalanche warning systems.
The Board was apprised about various conservation and habitat improvement activities of the department. This includes measures taken in handling of human-wild animal conflict, establishment of rescue centres and habitat restoration works of wetlands.
The LG called for prioritizing sustainable management of biodiversity and conservation of wildlife habitats.
He emphasised on promotional activities, particularly among school children, for major projects like Jambu Zoo, Hokersar and Gharana Wetland. He also asked to provide public transport to these destinations to promote eco-tourism.
The efforts made by the department in operationalization of Hangul Breeding Centre at Tral were also presented during the meeting.
The meeting also discussed the damage to agricultural crops by Wild Boar, Blue Bull and monkeys. The Board desired to explore the possibility of compensating farmers’ losses caused by wild animals.
Documentaries showing restoration works in Hokersar and Gharana Wetland Conservation Reserves and operationalization of Hangul Breeding Centre were screened.
Various publications of the department included Wildlife Calendar 2026; a coffee table book on wildlife of J&K-a journey through protected wilderness; a book titled “The Bounty of Pir Panjal-a journey through its flora and fauna” and a report on first time discovery of Hedgehog in J&K were also released.
Hangul population shows steady growth at breeding centre in south Kashmir
The population of Kashmir Stag, popularly known as Hangul, has shown a significant and encouraging increase over the years at a breeding centre in south Kashmir, officials said on Monday.
It reflects the success of sustained conservation efforts by the Department of Wildlife protection, they said.
According to officials, the population of the endangered and iconic wildlife species has risen to 323 at the Hangul Breeding Centre in Tral, marking a steady growth from 127 in 2008.
The positive trend was highlighted at the sixth meeting of the Wildlife Board chaired by Lt Governor Manoj Sinha here, an official spokesperson said.
He said the board accorded wildlife clearance to several projects and recommended some proposals to the National Board of Wildlife for final approval.
These included projects of 4G-saturation, Jal Jeevan Mission, re-alignment of transmission lines, setting up of border security posts, development of horticulture nursery and installation of avalanche warning systems, the spokesperson said.
He said the board was apprised of various conservation and habitat improvement activities of the department. This includes measures taken in handling of human-wild animal conflict, establishment of rescue centres and habitat restoration works of wetlands.
Addressing the meeting, the LG called for prioritising sustainable management of biodiversity and conservation of wildlife habitats.
He emphasised promotional activities, particularly among school children, for major projects like Jambu Zoo, Hokersar and Gharana Wetlands.
He also asked to provide public transport to these destinations to promote eco-tourism.
The damage to agricultural crops by wild boars, blue bulls and monkeys was also discussed at the meeting, the official said, adding that the Board desired to explore the possibility of compensating for farmers’ losses caused by wild animals.
