Wahid Rafeeqi//
Bandipora June 07 (KNS) : The Commissioner Secretary Forest Sanjeev Verma today visited Bandipora and reviewed progress of Wular conservation project. He was accompanied by Dr Owais Ahmed Deputy Commissioner Bandipora, T. Rabi Kumar Chief Conservator of Forests, Showkat Jeelani Chief Engineer R&B and other field officers.
The Coordinator Wular Conservation and Management Authority (WUCMA) Irfan Rasool briefed the Commissioner Secretary about the progress made in the dredging operations carried under ongoing project in different sections of the lake. He informed that 2.6 Sqkm out of 3.10 Sqkm has been restored and 51 lakh cum of silt load has been excavated from Wular lake during the ongoing project. The Commissioner Secretary said that the lake provides ecosystem services and is important for sustenance of livelihood. He observed that all critically silted up sections of lake need to be desilted in order to restore its pristine glory. The commissioner Secretary adviced WUCMA for formulation of new project proposal for extension of dredging works in other parts of lake.
The commissioner Secretary inspected Wular embankment from Banyari to Naz nalla for taking firsthand view of its existing formation and its development into boulevard. Wular boulevard is the new project that has been sanctioned by the government for delineation of permanent boundary of Wular lake and promotion of ecotourism in district Bandipora. He directed Chief Engineer R&B to prepare comprehensive DPR for construction of Wular boulevard with provision of tourism amenities and other facilities within 15 days so that works are taken up in hand during the current year. The commissioner Secretary adviced Dy.Commissioner Bandipora to coordinate so that DPR is timely prepared.
The commissioner Secretary also reviewed progress achieved by WUCMA on other components of Wular Action Plan; Catchment conservation, Biodiversity conservation, DPR for world bank funding and Willow removals. He instructed WUCMA to ensure quality and quantity of works and also adviced them to carry out requisite environmental studies so that preservation of Wular lake is ensured.(KNS)