SRINAGAR: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, on Wednesday reaffirmed that preservation and conservation of Wular Lake remains a top priority of the Omar Abdullah-led government.
Chairing a review meeting at the Civil Secretariat, the Minister directed the officers to frame and implement comprehensive measures to address the challenges confronting the lake while ensuring sustainable and judicious use of its resources.
The meeting was attended by Commissioner Secretary Forests, Ecology and Environment, Sheetal Nanda; Chief Conservator of Forests, Kashmir, Irfan Rasool Wani; CEO WUCMA, Manzoor Qadri; Chief Engineer PWD Kashmir, Narinder Kumar; Superintending Engineers and concerned Divisional Forest Officers.
The Minister underscored the vital role of water bodies in maintaining the ecological balance, stating that Wular Lake contributes significantly to water purification, flood control and biodiversity conservation. He reiterated the government’s commitment to the lake’s long-term ecological health.
Reviewing the progress of beautification and landscape development works around the lake, Rana stressed the need for timely tendering and execution. He directed that no allocated funds should lapse and warned against any lackadaisical approach in implementation.
Considering adverse climatic conditions, the Minister called for enhanced efforts to improve the water quality and strengthen waste and solid waste management in the lake and its catchment areas. He emphasized coordinated action among the concerned departments and local bodies to prevent pollution and degradation of the ecosystem.
The Minister directed the officers to assess the eco-tourism potential of Wular Lake and upgrade related infrastructure to promote responsible tourism. He also called for exploring sustainable revenue-generation options and conducting surveys on migratory birds, fish species and other natural resources supporting the local livelihoods.
Terming Wular Lake a haven for the migratory birds, Rana stressed the need for strict vigilance against poaching. He instructed the officials to undertake detailed studies on bird migration and take concrete steps to enhance the eco-tourism while safeguarding biodiversity.
The meeting also reviewed desiltation and dredging operations aimed at improving the lake’s hydrology.
The Minister emphasised enhancing water retention capacity to strengthen the lake’s role in flood moderation and water conservation.
Calling for stringent enforcement of environmental laws, Rana directed firm action against the encroachments and pollution. Issues related to staffing and administrative challenges were also discussed, with the Minister assuring that genuine concerns of field agencies would be addressed.
