SRINAGAR: Chief Secretary, Arun Kumar Mehta Saturday visited the Shallabugh Wetland in the Ganderbal District and took stock of the restoration measures being taken to rejuvenate the wetland to its pristine glory.
Chief Secretary stated that in order to bring the picturesque Shallabugh wetland on the tourist map, world-class eco-tourism amenities should be created there so as to attract wildlife lovers from all across the country. He urged the concerned officials to improve the road surface leading to the destination without any delay.
He impressed upon the creation of facilities like designated parking areas, viewing decks, and landscaping of the surroundings to make the place aesthetic and appealing for tourists.
He asked for the involvement of local PRIs and the community in the overall planning and restoration measures. He termed their role essential as the local people would be the greatest beneficiaries both in terms of gaining employment and a better environment.
Dr Mehta maintained that the Wetland has shown a lot of improvement in the recent past. He observed that the Wetland has a rich diversity of both flora and fauna. It has therefore a great potential to be developed as a major eco-tourism destination.
He stressed upon taking all measures necessary to conserve both plant and animal life besides desilting the water body. He asked the officers to regularly monitor its dissolved oxygen, Ph, and other bioindicators so that they are maintained in the normal range through targeted interventions.
He also impressed on the officers to look into issues related to the sustainable conservation of the Wetland and directed immediate measures like Bio-fencing of the lake area using willow species, Solid waste management, procuring of an adequate number of fiberglass boats for visitors, the introduction of ATVs, promoting local homestays in the adjoining villages, zero tolerance against bird hunting and poaching and promoting sustainable use of wetland resources for livelihood improvement of the local villagers.
Dr Mehta also complimented the Regional Wildlife Warden for result-oriented efforts to restore the health of the water body. He expressed hope that with the efficient implementation of an integrated plan, the water body will turn into a great attraction and emerge as one of the favorite new destinations in the valley.
Giving a brief description of the wetland the Regional Wildlife Warden Kashmir Region said that Shallabugh Wetland Reserve is the largest wildlife-protected wetland in Kashmir valley which is spread over an area of 1675 Hectares falling in Districts of Srinagar and Ganderbal. It was also informed that this wetland was declared a Ramsar Site last year.
The Chief Secretary also informed that in the year 2022 about 49 demarcation pillars were erected and out of total 5 kms of ring embankment, 3 kms were completed. Moreover chainlink fencing of about 958 rft was completed, 250 cleanliness drives were carried out besides organising a bird festival and Asian Water bird census 2023.
It was also given out that in the current year, works like completion of ring embankment, installation of 25 Boundary pillars, 1950 Bio-fencing pillars, restoration of navigational channels, water pools, construction of dockyard, watch towers, regulatory gates besides provision of other basic amenities are also scheduled for completion as part of its restoration plan.
Those who accompanied him on the occasion included the Principal Secretary, Forests; Deputy Commissioner, Ganderbal; Chief Wildlife Warden; Regional Wildlife Warden, Kashmir; Superintendent of Police, Ganderbal besides other concerned officers of the Forest Department.