Union Govt committed to conserve Wullar lake, promote eco-friendly tourism: Union MoS, Ashwini Kumar Choubey
4.35 Sq Kms restored, Walkway being constructed around the lake
Bandipora, June 09: Union Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Ashwini Kumar Choubey on Friday said the government led by prime Minister Narendra Modi is committed to conserve all the water bodies across the country with special focus on Asia’s largest freshwater lake-Wular.
He said this during his visit to Wullar Vantage Park to take first hand appraisal of Wullar conservation works. He said for the first time since independence of the country a major Conservation and management project for the lake has been sanctioned that costs Rs 200 crore.
He said work under the Wullar conservation project has been taken up on a large scale. He said so far a record area of 4.35 square kilometers of the lake has ben restored that had turned into a marshy land. He said 78.32 Lakh cubic meteres of silt was dredged out from the lake. The union minister said besides this 6-kilometer Naz Nalla was also desilted. He informed that Rs 24 crore revenue was generated from auction of 1.20 lakh willows axed from the lake that had turned the major portion of lake into a marshy field.
Ashwini Kumar Choubey further stated that the lake has a huge tourism potential and same will be exploited to the fullest while taking care of the eco-system. He said a walkway will be constructed around the lake that and in the phase-I, work is already in progress on 2.5 kilometers.
The Minister on the occasion stressed on the promotion of Eco Tourism and formation of Eco Clubs in educational institutions.
Choubey also interacted with Wullar mitras and administered oaths to wullar mitras, officers/officials and other participants to protect the environment and beat plastic pollution.
During the inspection of Stalls installed by various departments at Wullar vantage the Deputy Commissioner Bandipora Dr. Owais Ahmed apprised the Minister about the progress of various centrally sponsored schemes.
The minister on the occasion handed over sanction letters of welfare schemes among the beneficiaries of various Departments including Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Sheep Husbandry, Industries, Social Welfare, NRLM and Bank.
He also distributed books among students and ABPMJAY cards among beneficiaries of the Health Department.
The minister also chaired a meeting of officers at mini Secretariat Bandipora to review the progress of implementation of schemes at grass root level.
During the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner apprised the chair regarding various developmental activities, progress of Government Sponsored schemes and achievements of District.
Speaking on the occasion, the minister said that the central government is committed to take developmental scenario to new heights and generate employment avenues for youth.
Ashwini Kumar Choubey expressed satisfaction for the proper implementation of Govt. schemes by District Administration.
He appreciated the close coordination of District Administration and PRIs in implementing Government Schemes and programmes for the welfare of people.
At the mini Secretariat Ashwini Kumar Choubey also participated in the plantation drive.
Various delegations of DDCs, BDCs, Sarpanchs, Youth representatives met the minister and apprised the chair regarding the issues of enhanced ration distribution, communication and other issues.
Later the Minister visited NHPC and interacted with students and sports persons led by Padmashri Faisal Ali Dar.
The visit concluded with enthralling cultural performances in the NHPC auditorium by the students of HSS Kaloosa, HSS Mantrigam, Army Goodwill School and IDPS Bandipora with the message "Save Environment- Save Earth".
He was accompanied by Principal Secretary Forest, Dheeraj Gupta, PCCF Roshan Jaggi, APCCF T Rabi Kumar, Conservator of Forest North Circle Irfan Rasool Wani, Deputy Commissioner Bandipora Dr. Owais Ahmed, SSP Bandipora Lakshay Sharma and other officers from forest Department and District Administration.
