DC Shopian discusses preparation of Zonal Master Plan for ESZ of Heerpora Wildlife Sanctuary

• Aim is to protect fragile ecosystem of wildlife sanctuary by sustainable development of sensitive area

SHOPIAN: The inaugural meeting for the preparation of the Zonal Master Plan (ZMP) for the Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) of Heerpora Wildlife Sanctuary was today held in Shopian. The meeting was chaired by Deputy Commissioner (DC), Shishir Gupta, chairman of the Monitoring Committee.

The primary objective of this meeting was to deliberate and discuss the ZMP in coordination with various stakeholders, including departments of Forests, Wildlife, Tourism, Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, and Rural Development & others It aimed to regulate developmental activities in the ESZ, ensuring environmental and ecological protection viz a viz. the socio economic development of the local community residing in the area.

The meeting emphasized the importance of coordination among different departments and stakeholders in finalizing the ZMP after department wise submission of development proposals in line with the environmental guidelines. The Eco-Sensitive Zone of the Heerpora Wildlife Sanctuary acts as a ‘Shock Absorber’ for wildlife protected areas of Heerpora Wildlife Sanctuary of the district, minimizing the negative impact of human activities on fragile ecosystems.

Wildlife Warden, Shopian informed that the Tourism Master Plan has to be part of the ZMP, based on the carrying capacity study of the ESZ, and the plan should regulate activities in the ESZ, prohibiting harmful activities, regulating others, and allowing certain activities. The meeting was attended by ADC, Dr. Zakir Hussain Faaz; ACR, Wildlife Warden; CAO, Ex. Engineers of Flood Control, Irrigation, Jal Shakti, PWD and others including an expert from 51A Wildlife Conservation and Research Foundation.