There is neither lack of money nor lack of plans, Kashmir mostly lacks the will of purpose
Rs 98 cr plan on wetlands submitted to centre
GK NEWS NETWORK
Srinagar: A comprehensive plan of Rs 98 crore for preservation of 24 natural water bodies and wetlands of J&K has been submitted to the central government for approval.
This was revealed by Commissioner-Secretary General Administration department, Basharat Ahmad in his inaugural address at the 5-day long training workshop on ‘Wetland preservation and management’ at SKICC here today. Exuding confidence that nod to this ambition project will be accorded soon, he said all of us have to put in our best to preserve and conserve the water resources which play a pivotal role in maintaining ecological balance.
The workshop has been organized by the Union Ministry of Environment an Forests in collaboration with the Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun and state Wildlife Protection department. Wetland managers from Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi are participating in the workshop. Union Secretary, Environment and Forests Ms. Meena Gupta was the chief guest at the function. Present among others were Director Union Ministry of Environment and Forests Dr. S. Koul, Chief Wildlife Warden A.K. Srivastava and other central and state officers.
Addressing the workshop, Union Secretary, Environment and Forests said that the workshop which was to be organized at Dehradun was decided to be held at Srinagar keeping in view the abundance of wetlands and waterbodies available in Jammu and Kashmir. He expressed hope that the state government would leave no stone unturned to ensure preservation and conservation of world famous Dal lake and other water bodies, for which central government would provide adequate funds. He said the water bodies in Kashmir are major source of attraction for tourists also.
On the occasion, the speakers highlighted the importance of preservation of wetlands adding these are vuluable assets as these constitute the habitat of hundreds of water birds besides being the eco friendly and increasing food production.