Minister of State for Forest, Ecology, Environment, Animal & Sheep Husbandry, Cooperative and Fisheries Mir Zahoor Ahmad today said that wetland at Chatlam Pampore would be developed as an eco-tourism spot adding that adequate steps will be taken to tap the potential of the area.
This was stated by the Minister while reviewing the status of several wetlands in the State besides functioning of Wildlife department at a meeting held here today.
The Minister directed the concerned authorities of Wildlife Department to formulate a Comprehensive Project Report (DPR) for developing the Wetland Chattlam as eco-tourism spot.
Threadbare discussions were held on various issues including release of compensation in man-animal conflict cases, anti-poaching duties and staff strength.
It was informed in the meeting that under State Plan, the department has incurred Rs.2.04 crore during 2015-16 on different works including improvement of Wildlife habitat , monitoring, development of infrastructure, maintenance of Zoological Parks, Wetlands Management, Anti Poaching duties, handling of man animal conflicts, publicity and awareness programmes .Under Centrally Sponsored schemes Integrated Development of Wildlife Wetlands and Conservation and Management of Wetlands Rs.4.26 crore have been spent on different works during the last fiscal.
It was informed in the meeting that under Compensatory Afforestation Management Planning Authority (CAMPA), Rs 4.17 crore have been incurred while the department has realized revenue of Rs 10 during during 2015-16.
Addressing the meeting, the Minister stressed for taking concerted measures to minimize man-animal conflicts. He also directed them to educate people about the programmes of the department.
The Minister directed for removing encroachment of wetlands to ensure their conservation and protection . He also called for taking up fruit plantation on open land of the department.
Earlier, Chief Wildlife Warden Deepak Khana and Chief Conservator of Forests, Wildlife Jammu A. K. Gupta briefed the meeting about the activities of the Wildlife department.
The meeting was attended by the Wildlife Warden Wetland, Regional Wildlife Warden and other Wildlife Wardens of Jammu division.
