Excelsior Correspondent
RS PURA, Jan 19: Centre for Environment Education and Training, WWF-India and Department of Environmental Sciences Jammu University today organized one day workshop on Conservation and Management of Gharana and adjoining border wetlands of Jammu district in the conference hall of department of environmental sciences.
The event was supported by the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (GOI) and Department of Wildlife J&K.
Abdul Razak IFS Chief Wildlife Warden J&K was the chief guest and Roshan Jaggi (IFS) was the guest of honour on the occasion. Prof Shashi Kant an expert environmentalist presided over the function.
Prof. Anil Raina Rector Udhampur Campus, welcomed the dignitaries and guests. Dr.C.M.Seth Chairman WWF-India delivered theme lecture. While speaking he said that Jammu district is blessed with beautiful series of Wetlands located along the border like Gharana, Abdullian, Makwal, Kukdian and Pragwal. He said these wetlands are important staging grounds for Migratory Birds in winter. These wetlands which are located very near to Jammu are also important for promoting Eco-Tourism. He said that the Government should make serious efforts to conserve and develop these wetlands.
Chief guest also released the poster on Conservation of Gharana Wetland and Migratory Birds for conservation education and generating awareness among school and college students.
Regional Wildlife Warden Jammu informed that wetlands are important ecosystems to support the life systems. He said that wetlands located near border are natural assets for Jammu and which have great potential for Eco-Tourism, employment and rural livelihoods.
He assured that the Wildlife Department will make all efforts to develop these wetlands for Migratory Birds as well as for promoting Eco-Tourism. He also informed that the Divisional Commissioner Jammu has constituted a committee of Wildlife, Revenue and settlement departments to resolve the issue of demarcation and settle the rights of villagers.
Prof. Shahsi Kant while speaking laid stress on the sound scientific management of these wetlands. He said all stakeholders should cooperate for better management of these wetlands and more and more such awareness programmes should be organized to make civil society aware about the importance of these wetlands.
Mamta Sharma Research scholar, Pankaj Chandan, Head Western Himalaya WWF and Wildlife Warden Jammu presented their technical papers based on the extensive research conducted by them on different ecological aspects of these wetlands.
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