Baramulla, Apr 26 (KNS): Jhelum Valley Forest Division Baramulla is developing Biodiversity Park at Venkara for increasing forest awareness and encouraging conservation of flora, especially medicinal plants.

Giving details about the project, Conservator of Forests North Circle Irfan Rasool Wani who conducted site inspection on Sunday, said that the aim of the park is to create opportunities for exploration and conservation of medicinal herbs found in Kashmir which are at the verge of extinction. He added that the objective through the development of park is to create hub within natural forest area for imparting nature education and forest awareness to different stakeholders especially school children. Eco-tourism activities will be also promoted through this initiative which will create plenty of opportunities for livelihood for local communities, he added.

Pervaiz Wani, Divisional Forest Officer Jhelum Valley Forest Division who accompanied Conservator of Forests to the site, disclosed that the park contains Herbal Vatika in which more than 25 species of rare and threatened medicinal plants have been planted in beds. The DFO added that the department has established Lavender grove, nature trail, open theatre, camping site, trekking route, viewpoint, wooden artifacts and various educational signages in the park for the benefit of visitors.

Pertinent to mention that this is the first Biodiversity Park which is being established by J&K Forest Department in north kashmir in Baramulla district. The park is expected to be thrown open in the month of May.(KNS)