Forest Minister orders time-bound response to human-wildlife conflict, timely compensation; 30,000 Chinars geo-tagged, J&K’s 50 Protected Areas span 4,861 sq km
BuzzBytes
JAMMU, Nov 5: Minister for Forests, Ecology and Environment, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Altaf Ahmad Wani, on Thursday directed the Wildlife Protection Department to take up Hangul conservation on mission mode with scientific monitoring and habitat improvement, saying protection of Jammu and Kashmir’s natural heritage is a collective responsibility of the government and the people.
The Minister was chairing a review of the Wildlife Protection Department and the J&K Forest Research Institute (JKFRI) at the PCCF/HoFF office here.
“Hangul is found nowhere else in the world. It is our pride, our identity. We cannot afford to lose it,” he said.
The Minister was informed that J&K has a Protected Area Network of 50 Protected Areas covering 4,861.282 sq km across 20 districts, including 4 National Parks, 14 Wildlife Sanctuaries, 16 Conservation Reserves and 16 Wetland Reserves. Eco-Sensitive Zones have been notified for 10 Protected Areas, including Jasrota, Rajparian, Ramnagar, Hirpora, Surinsar-Mansar, Gulmarg, Kazinag, Kishtwar High Altitude National Park, Dachigam-Overa-Aru and Tral.
He was apprised that J&K is home to 4,440 plant, 111 mammal, 608 bird, 68-plus reptile, 14 amphibian, 308-plus butterfly and 100-plus fish species, with birds alone accounting for 44 per cent of India’s bird diversity. The UT has 10 rare and endangered species, including four Critically Endangered ones: Hangul, Kashmir Musk Deer, Markhor and Asiatic Ibex.
Expressing deep concern over human-wildlife conflict, Wani said: “One human life lost is a tragedy for the family. Protecting human life must come first while also protecting wildlife. Both are possible if we respond on time.” He directed that Rapid Response Teams reach the spot without delay, compensation be paid on time, and early warning systems and awareness camps be held in every vulnerable village with the help of Panchayats.
He directed the department to prepare a compendium on J&K-specific wildlife, flora and fauna in consultation with experts.
Reviewing JKFRI, the Minister said research must not remain in files and laboratories but should reach the forests, the farmer and the common man. He was informed that JKFRI has developed two Seed Banks at Jammu and Srinagar, and protocols for cultivation of medicinal plants including Kuth, Tilpushpi, Mushkwala, Pushkarmul, Angur Shefa and Shinglimingli.
The Minister said the concerned MLA must be taken on board wherever works are executed in a district.
He was also informed that around 30,000 Chinar trees across J&K have been geo-tagged with a digital database, QR-enabled metal plates installed on 10,000 prominent Chinars in Kashmir and 3,500 QR plates on Peepal and Bargad trees in Jammu, with the left-over trees to be covered in the second phase.
Commissioner Secretary Forest Sheetal Nanda, PCCF and HoFF Sarvesh Rai, Chairman PCC Vasu Yadav, Chief Wildlife Warden and Director JKFRI Dr Suneesh Buxy and other senior officers attended.
