Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Aug 24: Minister for Forest, Ecology & Environment Choudhary Lal Singh concluded his weeklong tour of Ladakh division. During the extensive tour, the Minister visited Leh and Kargil to review the measures being taken by the department to conserve the wild life species of the area and also inspected various forest plantation sites.
At Kargil, the Minister visited forest plantation sites and inspected the plantation done by the department. He took stock of the variety and quantity of plantation done by Forest and Wildlife Departments and directed to undertake experiments and maximum plantation in huge variety by developing a suitable environment.
The Minister directed for increasing forest cover within fixed targets and for developing of nurseries in the region. Locals of the area also met the Minister and put forth issues pertaining to the development of the area.
He also convened meeting with the officers of the department to review the functioning and problems faced in performing their duties.
Speaking on the issue of shortage of man power in Pollution Control Board offices in the division, the Minister said that soon two posts one in each Leh and Kargil would be filled.
During the tour, the Minister visited various lakes in the region and asked the officials to ensure cleanliness around the water bodies to attract tourists keeping in mind environment issues.
Lal Singh also visited scenic Tso Moriri lake in Leh and issued instructions to ensure cleanliness in and around the lake. He also visited Tso Kar Lake situated in the Rupshu valley in the southern part of Ladakh.
To ensure the sustenance of rare species of Black Necked Cranes in the area, the Minister informed that a plan has been formulated to demarcate the area where these birds can lay their eggs. It was informed to the Minister that the unwanted population of dogs in the area has posed a threat to this one of the rare species.
The Minister instructed the department to take steps to control the increasing population of dogs in the area so that it not only saves the rare birds but also lessens the man-animal conflict. He also said that plan to save the Snow leopards has also been formulated and soon two rescue centres will be open up at Leh and Kargil.
To promote the concept of eco tourism in the region, Lal Singh said that the department has already provided solar boilers and solar lights to the people of villages. He said that the people are earning good livelihood through tourism activities and Government especially Forest Department is rendering every kind of help to them in this regard.
The Minister was accompanied by Principal Chief Conservator of Forest Ravi Kaiser, Managing Director SFC Suresh Gupta, Regional Wildlife Warden Rashid Naqash and senior officers of Forest Department.
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