SRINAGAR: Commissioner Secretary Forests, Sanjeev Varma, today inspected Hokersar and Haigam wetlands and reviewed progress on ongoing conservation works.
Regional Wildlife Warden, Kashmir, Rashid Naqash, briefed about the status of ongoing restoration and conservation works in the wetlands.
He informed that the work regarding the creation of a peripheral channel is almost complete while other restoration works are in progress.
Commissioner Secretary stressed the need to expedite the execution of these works so that Migratory Birds settle and spend winter months comfortably. He was apprised that the Irrigation and Flood Control Department has taken up works for the construction of gates at exit and entry points besides allotment of works to create a settling basin as well. The department has installed trash gates to stop the inflow of solid waste into the wetland.
The Commissioner Secretary conducted an on-the-spot inspection of works aimed to create tourist-related infrastructure like wooden artifacts, benches, gazebos, tree houses, etc which are being constructed for providing facelifts to Hokersar premises. He instructed the concerned to use locally available eco-friendly material for face-lifting of Hokersar premises and install environmental signage at different places so that it emerges as a favorite tourist destination for tourists in Srinagar in the coming days.
At Hygam wetland, Commissioner Secretary Forest directed Wildlife authorities to secure the wetland area by developing a fence line along the boundary. He also asked to promote bird watching in Haigam by creating facilities for boarding, lodging, and camping. He stressed the need to start restoration works for biodiversity conservation so that habitat conditions are made suitable for migratory birds to settle in time.
Commissioner Secretary visited Baramulla Forest Division where he was given a presentation by the Conservator of Forests, Irfan Rasool, about the type of ongoing forestry activities in a north circle. He was informed that 7.5 lakh plants shall be planted in north Kashmir under Green J & K Drive this year. He was informed that forest divisions of the north circle have stocked a sufficient quantity of conifer and broadleaved species in their nurseries to achieve the targets.
He paid a visit to Central Forest Nursery Baramulla to take a firsthand assessment of preparedness for winter plantation. He directed to raise of fast-growing timber species in nurseries so that farmers can be familiarized and encouraged to grow trees outside forests on their farmlands.
Commissioner Secretary also visited Biodiversity Park Venkara in the Doabgah forest range where he inspected different facilities established there. He appreciated the works of herbal Vatika and eco-friendly objects developed by the Jhelum Valley Forest Division for conservation and outreach activities. He advised officials to conduct extensive school outreach programmes and engage children in plantation and cleanliness drives besides water conservation activities so that concept of environmental compassion is inculcated in them at a young age.
Pervaiz Ahmad Wani, DFO Jhelum Valley Forest Division, Ifshan Deewan, Wildlife Warden Wetlands, Muzaffer Bazaz, Deputy Director Forest Protection Force, Baramulla, and Mohammad Maqbool Baba, Wildlife Warden, North Kashmir were present on the occasion.
