UDHAMPUR: Sheetal Nanda on Friday chaired a day-long technical expert panel discussion on maintaining ecological balance in the Mansar-Surinsar lake ecosystem, with special focus on the carrying capacity of fish and turtles.
The discussion was held at Eco Hut Mansar and was attended by senior forest and wildlife officials, scientists, academicians and local stakeholders.
Addressing the gathering, Sheetal Nanda stressed the need for a comprehensive action plan to preserve the ecological integrity of the lakes.
She said active participation of local communities, youth and prominent citizens was essential for raising awareness and ensuring sustainable conservation.
Sarvesh Rai said the government was making consistent efforts towards turtle conservation and breeding programmes.
He said water levels in the Mansar and Surinsar lakes remained stable and that the department had installed pumping systems to remove excess water and maintain the littoral zone in both lakes.
According to him, the water level had been reduced by four to five feet during the current year through efforts of the wildlife department.
Chaturbhuja Behera suggested a number of measures, including improving cleanliness around the lake, relocating the cremation shed and implementing contour trenching.
He also called for community-based awareness programmes on sustainable fishing practices and shifting of fish from Mansar lake to safer sites in consultation with local residents.
The panel also discussed afforestation drives and measures to prevent forest fires in order to strengthen ecological resilience in the area.
- S. Senthil Kumar highlighted the social, religious and ecological significance of the Mansar-Surinsar lakes and advocated a balanced approach that respects both environmental and cultural values.
Omparkesh Sharma recommended installation of informative signboards, discouraging the use of junk food packaging near the lakes and promoting conservation of indigenous species.
He also suggested incorporating local art, craft and heritage elements while creating awareness about fish conservation.
The discussion was attended by officials from the Forest and Wildlife departments, scientists from Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology Jammu, professors from Central University of Jammu and University of Jammu, besides representatives of the Fisheries Department and the Mansar-Surinsar Development Authority.
The panel concluded that scientific management, community participation and sustained conservation measures are essential to protect the biodiversity and heritage of the Mansar-Surinsar lake ecosystem.
