The Jammu and Kashmir government today said that the demarcation of all notified wetlands of the state has been initiated. Replying to a question by CPI(M) leader M Y Tarigami, Minister for Forests, Choudhary Lal Singh informed the state Assembly that the demarcation of all notified wetlands of the state has been initiated in collaboration with the concerned revenue authorities. During 2017-18, the Union government has approved an amount of Rs 59 lakh under for survey and demarcation, surveillance, habitat development, awareness for Hokersar wetland in Kashmir, he said. The funds for conservation and protection of these natural assets are managed through various centrally sponsored schemes, Capex budget and funds, the minister added.
He said there was no proposal for inter-linkage of wetlands, lakes, canals with river Jhelum. Singh added there was no report of illegal construction, mining activities and stone crushers inside the protected areas. He said that no construction activities were allowed in wildlife protected areas including in Gulmarg Wildlife Sanctuary, Overa-Aru Wildlife Sanctuary in Pahalgam and Thajwas Wildlife Sanctuary in Sonmarg. For strengthening wildlife department, he said that 76 vacancies were referred to the recruiting agencies for filling vacant posts. The proposal for reorganisation of the department for strengthening the manpower and ratio of employees is under consideration of the government, he said.
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