Shopian, September 12: Minister for Forest, Ecology and Environment Javid Ahmad Rana on Saturday reviewed ongoing ecotourism and conservation works at Hirpora Wildlife Sanctuary, with a focus on proposed development at Sarbal.
Rana visited the sanctuary and inspected proposed ecotourism sites after being received at Dongimarg by Wildlife Warden Shopian Sohail Ahmad Wagay and other officials of the Wildlife Division.
During the visit, the Minister directed officers to identify bottlenecks and expedite development of ecotourism infrastructure at Sarbal while ensuring that conservation requirements are maintained.
He called for a revised and comprehensive ecotourism plan covering components that were not included earlier. These include a Hobbit House at Pir Ki Gali, a chowkidar hut, parking facilities, river-site development, an approach road and landscaping at Sarbal.
Reviewing visitor facilities along the Mughal Road, Rana directed the department to include a dedicated publicity and awareness component, including hoardings and signboards providing information about the sanctuary and its attractions.
The Minister also directed officials to prepare a plantation and slope-restoration plan for denuded and erosion-prone hill slopes within the sanctuary. He proposed an experimental plantation plot using locally available high-altitude species, shrubs, medicinal plants and herbs before expanding the initiative.
He further directed that plantation be undertaken along both sides of the road constructed by the Border Roads Organisation at the earliest.
Rana stressed that ecotourism activities in Hirpora Wildlife Sanctuary should not compromise its ecological character or biodiversity. He also called for development that could create sustainable livelihood opportunities for local communities.
The Wildlife Division was directed to ensure time-bound implementation of the directions issued during the visit and submit periodic progress reports.
Senior officers of the Wildlife and Territorial Forest divisions and local Panchayat representatives were present during the inspection.
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