Sanjeev Verma reviews progress on implementation of Mitigation Plan for Kishtwar High Altitude National Park
Jammu: Commissioner Secretary, Forest, Ecology and Environment, Sanjeev Verma today chaired a High Level meeting to review the implementation of Mitigation Plan for Kishtwar High Altitude National Park.
The meeting was attended by Suresh Kumar Gupta Chief Wildlife Warden, Dr. Kumar M.K, Regional Wildlife Warden, Jammu, P. K. Singh, Director Soil & Water Conservation, J&K, Sarvesh Rai, Chief Executive Officer, CAMPA, K. Ramesh Kumar, Chief Conservator of Forest, Jammu, Parvaiz Handoo, Director, Planning and Wildlife Wardens among others.
The meeting discussed Five Year Mitigation Plan of Kishtwar High Altitude National Park with component and activity wise outlays.
The Five Year Plan has to be implemented with financial implications of Rs.73.18 Crores. The Project has sufficient provision for research and survey component and accordingly 20 (twenty) different studies and surveys have been listed by Wildlife Protection Department to be undertaken in the National Park during three years period.
Speaking during the meeting, the Commissioner Secretary, directed the Chief Wildlife Warden to prepare a comprehensive chart of activities with defined timelines so that timely execution of work under the Plan are taken up and completed within limited working season available in the area.
With regard to various issues like manpower strengthening, the Commissioner/Secretary advised the Chief Wildlife Warden to work out the modalities in consultation with the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests & HoFF for timely completion of works.
During the meeting, Regional Wildlife Warden Jammu gave a detailed Power Point presentation highlighting about the works executed during 2020-21 and details of the proposals for the year 2021-22. He apprised that during 2020-21, works to the tune of Rs.382 lakhs were taken up in the area. He also gave a detailed account of habitat improvement works including plantation, soil and moisture conservation along with allied activities.
It is worthwhile to mention that Kishtwar High Altitude National Park is spread over 2190 Sq.Kms. area in Kishtwar District and is largest National Park in the Union Territory. The National Park has unique species like Snow Leopard, Brown Bear, Ibex, Western Tragopan, Monal.
The Kishtwar High Altitude National Park is also home to several rare and endangered plant species like Kauth, Patis, Kadu, Ban Kakri, Salm Panja, Salm Misri, Rodorandron, Bojpata, Chilgosa etc. to name a few. The area is full of medicinal plants of high value. The Mitigation Plan has inbuilt component for eco-development of the communities living in the fringe areas of the National Park.