Srinagar, Apr 21 (KNS) : The Rekh Hygam Ramsar site, a wetland of international importance in north Kashmir, witnessed a high-level visit by legislators and forest officials on Tuesday, with an MLA announcing immediate funds and promising to fast-track a draft eco-tourism project.
The delegation included MLA Pattan Reyaz Bedar, Congress legislator Irfan Hafez Lone, Conservator Tawheed Ahmad Deva, Deputy Conservator Altaf, Tehsildar Safiya, Ranger Iqbal, environmentalist Dr Ghulam Rasool, social activist Aijaz Ahmad Dar and local stakeholders.
Officials said the proposed project seeks to strike a balance between ecological preservation and sustainable tourism while addressing residents' concerns.
MLA Wagoora-Kreeri Irfan Hafez Lone announced a financial grant of several lakh rupees from his MLA Constituency Development Fund (CDF) for the wetland's immediate upkeep.
Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
Speaking to news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS), MLA Lone said the 2025 draft project — designed as an eco-friendly tourism initiative — would be pushed for early sanction in the interest of both the environment and local livelihoods.
The Congress leader raised concerns over silt accumulation and the spread of willow in the ecologically fragile zone. He warned that flooding was leading to silt accumulation in the Rakh and called for a diversion strategy to protect the area.
"We need to act in a peaceful manner while ensuring our identity and environment are not lost," MLA Lone said.
Notably, The Rekh Hygam wetland has been facing increasing anthropogenic pressure in recent years, with locals and experts calling for a sustainable model that does not harm the fragile ecosystem. (KNS)