Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 8: Commissioner Secretary Forest Manoj Kumar Dwivedi today assessed the status of Gharana Wetland Conservation Reserve and prioritised certain steps for the conservation and protection of the wetland.
Dwivedi while prioritising the conservation and management issues like sewage disposal by setting up sewage treatment plant, monitoring and ensuring optimum water level in the wetland, de-silting and selective de-weeding to be completed timely, stressed on boosting eco-tourism in the area and generating livelihood opportunities for the communities and stake holders.
He further desired the Revenue Department to expedite and complete the acquisition of land for Gharana wetland for which indent has already been placed by the Wildlife Department in compliance with the High Court directions.
The Regional Wildlife Warden Tahir Shawl, while apprising Commissioner Secretary of various measures and steps being taken by the department, discussed the Management Action Plan of Gharana Wetland which is in final stage of completion. Shawl further informed that the provision for STP as directed by the court has been incorporated in the Management Plan.
It is pertinent to mention here that Gharana Wetland Conservation Reserve is an important habitat, near India-Pakistan border ,in R S Pura Sector and attracts hundreds of migratory birds every winter including the bar –headed goose – a bird of unique high altitude migration which fly over high passes of Himalaya, even Mt.Everest , during their sojourn .
According to the Wildlife Warden Jammu Shahzad Chowdary, about 4000 to 5000 bar-headed geese and many other species have arrived Gharana and all necessary measures including watch and ward are being taken to ensure their safety.
Bird species like bar-headed geese, gadwalls, common teals, purple swamp hens, Indian moor hens, black-winged stilts, cormorants, egrets, green shanks and many other species throng Gharana and adjoining wetlands during winter.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
