Sheetal Nanda emphasises on sustainable eco-tourism, conservation of Wullar lake

Bandipora, Feb 24: Commissioner Secretary, Forest, Ecology, and Environment Department, J&K, Sheetal Nanda, visited Bandipora to review the ongoing conservation efforts of Wullar Lake.

The review meeting, held at the Mini Secretariat Bandipora, was attended by Principal Chief Conservator of Forests & Head of Forest Force J&K, Suresh Kr. Gupta (IFS), PCCF & Chairman Pollution Control Committee J&K, Vasu Yadav (IFS), Chief Conservator of Forests Kashmir, Irfan Rasool (IFS), Deputy Commissioner Bandipora, Manzoor Qadri, Chief Executive Director WUCMA, Mohammad Younis Malik, and senior officers from various departments.

During the meeting, the Commissioner Secretary was briefed on key conservation initiatives, including the Comprehensive Management Action Plan, dredging activities, infrastructure development, and the willow removal action plan. She emphasised the phased, block-wise removal of willow trees, desilting of the lake, and strict measures to prevent waste disposal in Wullar to maintain its ecological balance.

Sheetal Nanda directed concerned authorities to prioritise fencing around vulnerable areas to prevent encroachments and protect biodiversity. She stressed the need for expedited completion of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for proposed projects and called for a coordinated approach among departments to ensure smooth execution of conservation efforts.

Recognising Wullar Lake’s vast eco-tourism potential, the Commissioner Secretary underscored the importance of developing tourism sustainably without disrupting the lake’s delicate ecosystem. She directed that ongoing eco-tourism projects be completed within stipulated timelines and emphasized the involvement of Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) in promoting community-based eco-tourism and sustainable resource harvesting.

On solid waste management, she instructed the formulation and execution of a comprehensive action plan in coordination with the Swachh Bharat Mission and AMRUT. She also directed the preparation of DPRs for inlets and detention basins, along with the installation of trash barriers to prevent waste inflow from the catchment area. The Pollution Control Committee (PCC) was asked to intensify water quality sampling by increasing the number of collection points.

The Commissioner Secretary called for enhanced coordination among various departments to ensure the smooth completion of all ongoing conservation projects. She urged the Deputy Commissioner to ensure regular monitoring of conservation initiatives and to promptly resolve any emerging issues for effective implementation. The Deputy Commissioner Bandipora assured that regular monitoring of Wullar conservation works is being carried out, with efforts to resolve bottlenecks through inter-departmental coordination. He also informed that a solid waste management facility is in the pipeline, undergoing an Environmental Impact Assessment, while an action plan for waste management in eight panchayats will be implemented in the next financial year.

The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests & Head of Forest Force J&K highlighted that the Forest Department has established Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) in each panchayat to support community-based eco-tourism around Wullar.