JAMMU: Commissioner Secretary, State Forest Department, Manoj Kumar Dwivedi today held a meeting to review the status of Gharana Wetland Conservation Reserve. During the meeting, Commissioner Secretary stressed on prioritising the conservation and management issues like sewage disposal by setting up sewage treatment plant, monitoring and ensuring optimum water level in the wetland. He also stressed on disilting and selective deweeding for boosting eco-tourism in the area and generating livelihood opportunities for the communities and stake holders.
He directed Revenue Department to expedite and complete the acquisition of land for Gharana wetland for which indent has already been placed by the Wildlife Department with Revenue authorities in compliance with the High Court directions. The Regional Wildlife Warden, Jammu Region, Tahir Shawl, while apprising him of various measures and steps being taken by the Department discussed the Management Action Plan of Gharana Wetland which is in final stage of completion. Shawl further informed that the provision for STP as directed by the Court has been incorporated in the management plan.
The Wildlife Warden Jammu, Shahzad Chowdary informed that about 4000 to 5000 bar-headed geese and many other species have arrived at Gharana and all necessary measures including watch and ward are being taken to ensure their safety. Bird species like bar-headed geese, gadwalls, common teals, Purple swamp hens, Indian moor hens, black-winged stilts, cormorants, egrets, green shanks and many other species throng Gharana and adjoining wetlands.