Committee on Environment deliberates on measures for conservation, management of J&K’s vital lakes

Srinagar, Aug 21: The Committee on Environment Friday convened for a meeting at Assembly Complex here to discuss and deliberate on measures for the conservation and management of Hokersar, Mansabal, Wular, Nigeen, Mansar and Surinsar Lakes and other wetlands of Jammu and Kashmir.
The meeting was chaired by Chairman of the Committee, Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami, and attended by Prof. Gharu Ram, Dr. Baldev Raj Sharma, Daleep Singh, Showkat Hussain Ganie, Javaid Ahmad Mirchal, Sajjad Shafi, Dr. Rameshwar Singh and Devyani Rana; members of the committee.
The meeting was also attended by Chairman JK PCC Vasu Yadav; CWLW & PCCF WL Suneesh Buxy; VC LCMA, F.A LCMA, Regional Wildlife Wardens of Kashmir, Jammu and Rajouri/Poonch, CEO Manasbal Development Authority, Project Coordinator WUCMA, WLWs of Jammu, Wetland and Kathua, and CED WUCMA Wular besides officers of the Assembly Secretariat.
Speaking during the meeting, the Chairman stressed that wetlands are vital for ecology, biodiversity and flood mitigation in J&K. He expressed concern over environmental pollution and human interference in these water bodies. He said that everyone has a duty to protect these natural assets for future generations.
Reviewing the CAG audit paras, Tarigami said that Scientific data and community involvement must guide our conservation efforts. He directed the concerned departments to submit time-bound Action Taken Reports on conservation measures taken for the 6 major lakes and other wetlands of J&K.
The Committee was informed that using high-resolution satellite imagery, a comprehensive exercise has been undertaken to identify wetlands across the UT. It was informed that earlier wetlands above 2.25 hectares were mapped, followed by those between 2.25 to 1 hectare, and now even wetlands below 1 hectare are being identified. So far, approximately 1700 wetlands have been identified in J&K.
To ensure transparency and easy access, the Department informed that a dedicated State-level portal is being developed having layers for Forest boundaries and Protected Area Network of the Wildlife Department.
The Chairman directed that this portal be made public-friendly. He said that the portal will help clear confusion about boundaries and will be accessible to Hon’ble Members, departments and the public.
The Chairman directed that the portal should include data on vegetation, water bodies, rivers and other ecological features in a phased manner. He emphasized that public access to this data will bring greater accountability and community participation in wetland conservation.