Commissioner Secretary Forests visits Ganderbal; Takes stock of wetlands of Ganderbal

GANDERBAL : Commissioner Secretary Forest, Ecology and Environment, Sanjeev Verma, today visited Ganderbal and took stock of wetlands of the district.

During the visit, the Commissioner Secretary was accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal, Krittika Jyotsna, ACR Ganderbal, Regional Wildlife Warden Kashmir, ACD, DFO Sindh Forest Division Ganderbal and other concerned officials.

Commissioner Secretary visited Ahan Sar, Waskura Sar and Manasbal lakes to have firsthand appraisal of management of these water bodies. These three water bodies are on the verge of being notified as wetlands under Wetland Management Rules of 2017.

While inspecting the management of these wetlands, the Commissioner Secretary was informed that the brief documents have already been prepared and submitted by the district administration in this regard.

Commissioner Secretary directed the officers for preparation of management plan of these water bodies to undertake desiltation and de-weeding works. In this regard, he sought collaboration of Revenue, Forest and Rural Development departments towards restoration of these wetlands.

While ascertaining the physical condition of the water bodies, Commissioner Secretary asked for formulation of management plan for these wet lands containing all components to restore these wetlands to their pristine glory.

Meanwhile, Commissioner Secretary interacted with the PRIs and locals and urged upon them to extend their cooperation to the administration in conservation of these wet lands as livelihood of people living on the edges of these wetlands depends to a large extent on the productivity of wetlands.

He stressed for generating mass awareness among the people especially living along the peripheries of these water bodies regarding intrinsic natural values of wetlands. He also emphasized the need to encourage farmers for using bio fertilizers instead of chemical fertilizers adding that the loss of the wetlands would be tantamount to losing their lifeline.