Nasir Aslam reviews Wular conservation & dev of local tourism

Srinagar, Aug 08: Advisor to the Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani today chaired a meeting regarding functioning of Wullar Conservation& Management Authority (WUCMA), Wullar& Manasbal Development Authority and Hygam- Ningli-Tarzoo Development Authority.According to a statement issued here, during the meeting MLA Sopore raised several issues of WUCMA and Tourism Development Authorities of working in silos and stressed on robust coordination between the departments and agencies like Forest, Tourism, Fisheries PW(R&B), Jal Shakti & Rural Development. He pointed out neglect of tourism huts at Watlab &Ningli, slow pace of desilting, dredging, and need for focused attention on conservation of Wular lake and protecting the livelihood of fishermen in the fringe villages.Advisor to CM Nasir Aslam Wani reviewed the performance of the line departments and gave directions for maintenance of tourism huts and identifying spots for construction of way-side amenities for the visitors along the high-way. He called for effective coordination particularly between Forest and Tourism departments for better planning on conservation of the lake and how to develop sustainable tourism in the lake catchment area.The meeting was informed that 1.21 lakh trees have been felled to address the issue of siltation and that Forest Department has earmarked Rs 25 crore during the current fiscal to implement the Common Management Plan for Wullar conservationThe Advisor emphasised the need to achieve the set targets for dredging and desilting, along with the removal of willow trees. He also underscored the importance of carrying out compensatory afforestation at designated locations to significantly offset the impact of tree felling.