SRINAGAR, OCTOBER 8 (KNB): 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 status of ongoing restoration and conservation works in the wetlands.He informed that the works regarding creation of peripheral channel is almost complete while as other restoration works are in progress.Commissioner Secretary stressed upon the need to expedite 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 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.Commissioner Secretary conducted 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 facelift to Hokersar premises. He instructed the concerned to use locally available eco-friendly material for face-lifting of Hokersar premises and install environmental signage’s at different places so that it emerges as favorite tourist destination for tourists in Srinagar in coming days.
At Hygam wetland, Commissioner Secretary Forest directed Wildlife authorities to secure the wetland area by developing fence line along the boundary. He also asked to promote bird watching in Haigam by creating facilities for boarding, lodging and camping. He stressed upon 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 Conservator of Forests, Irfan Rasool, about type of ongoing forestry activities in 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 north circle have stocked sufficient quantity of conifer and broadleaved species in their nurseries to achieve the targets.He paid visit to Central Forest Nursery Baramulla to take firsthand assessment of preparedness for winter plantation. He directed to raise fast growing timber species in nurseries so that farmers can be familiarized and encouraged to grow trees outside forests on their farm lands.Commissioner Secretary also visited Biodiversity Park Venkara in 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 environment compassion is inculcated in them at 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.(KNB)