Minister Javed Rana Visits Hirpora Wildlife Sanctuary
Directs Time-Bound Completion of Ecotourism Infrastructure at Sarbal
Shopian, September 11 (KINS): Minister for Forest, Ecology and Environment, Javed Ahmad Rana, today visited Hirpora Wildlife Sanctuary in Shopian to review the progress of ongoing ecotourism and conservation initiatives.
The Minister was received at Dongimarg by Wildlife Warden Shopian Sohail Ahmad Wagay, along with other officers of the Wildlife Division.
During an on-the-spot inspection of the sanctuary and proposed ecotourism sites, the Minister interacted with departmental officers and local representatives and issued directions to accelerate infrastructure development and strengthen conservation measures in the area.
He directed the concerned officers to remove existing bottlenecks and expedite the development of ecotourism infrastructure at Sarbal. He also directed that a revised and comprehensive ecotourism plan be submitted, incorporating components that had previously been omitted, including a Hobbit House at Pir Ki Gali, a chowkidar hut, parking area, river-site development, an approach road and landscaping works at Sarbal.
Regarding publicity and signage along the Mughal Road, the Minister directed that an awareness component be introduced, with hoardings and signboards installed to inform and guide visitors.
He also directed the preparation of a plantation plan for denuded and erosion-affected hill slopes within the sanctuary. As a first step, an experimental plot is to be developed using locally available high-altitude species, shrubs, medicinal plants and herbs.
The Minister further directed that plantation along both sides of the road constructed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) be taken up at the earliest.
Rana emphasised that ecotourism development in Hirpora Wildlife Sanctuary should proceed in a manner that safeguards its ecological character while creating sustainable opportunities for local communities. He directed the Wildlife Division to expedite compliance with the directions and submit periodic progress reports.
Senior officers of the Wildlife Division, Territorial Forest Division and local Panchayat representatives were present during the visit. (KINS)
