Surankote: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology and Environment, and Tribal Affairs Javed Ahmed Rana on Friday inaugurated a wildlife eco-tourism hut along the Mughal Road in Surankote area of Poonch district, developed by the Department of Wildlife Protection at an estimated cost of ₹1.87 crore under the Union Territory Capex Budget.
The facility is aimed at strengthening visitor infrastructure along the Mughal Road and promoting nature-based tourism in an ecologically significant area, while supporting wildlife conservation and local livelihoods.
Rana said the region’s natural beauty and ecological importance offered considerable scope for eco-tourism, provided tourism infrastructure was developed in a manner that protected forests, wildlife and fragile mountain ecosystems.
He said the hut would give visitors an opportunity to experience the area’s natural surroundings and improve awareness about the region’s biodiversity and the need for conservation.
The minister stressed that tourism development in ecologically sensitive areas should be guided by environmental protection, adding that the expansion of tourism-related activities must not compromise the natural character of the region.
He said eco-tourism infrastructure could also generate economic opportunities for local residents through tourism-related services and other associated activities. Increased tourist interest, he added, could support local livelihoods while encouraging communities to participate in protecting natural resources.
Rana called for proper maintenance and effective management of the facility to ensure its long-term utility and contribution to conservation efforts.
He said the benefits of tourism should reach local communities without undermining environmental priorities, adding that responsible eco-tourism could strengthen conservation awareness and promote a sustainable relationship between people and nature.
