Jammu, Dec 29: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday stressed the need for responsible management of biodiversity and protection of wildlife habitats while chairing the sixth meeting of the Wildlife Board for the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir at Lok Bhavan.
The Lieutenant Governor underlined that conservation efforts must go hand in hand with public awareness and directed officials to strengthen outreach programmes, particularly among school children. He said facilities such as Jambu Zoo, Hokersar Wetland and Gharana Wetland should be actively promoted as centres for environmental learning.
The Lieutenant Governor also suggested improving public transport connectivity to these destinations to encourage eco-tourism and ensure easier access for students, researchers and visitors.
The meeting was attended by Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs Javed Ahmed Rana; MLAs Dr Devinder Kumar Manyal and Mian Mehar Ali; Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo; Principal Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor Dr Mandeep K. Bhandari; Commissioner Secretary Forest, Ecology & Environment Sheetal Nanda; Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and HoFF Suresh Kumar Gupta; PCCF and Chief Wildlife Warden Sarvesh Rai; IGP Security Sujit Kumar; besides conservationists, environmental experts, representatives of the Army, NGOs and other board members.
The Wildlife Board granted wildlife clearance to several development proposals and recommended select cases to the National Board for Wildlife for final approval. These included projects related to 4G saturation, Jal Jeevan Mission, transmission line realignment, border security posts, horticulture nursery development and installation of avalanche warning systems.
Officials briefed the Board on conservation initiatives undertaken by the department, including measures to address human-wildlife conflict, setting up of rescue centres and restoration of wetland habitats.
Progress at the Hangul Breeding Centre in Tral was also reviewed. The Board took note of the steady rise in the Hangul population, which has increased from 127 in 2008 to 323 as per the 2025 census.
Issues related to damage to agricultural crops by wild boar, blue bull and monkeys were discussed, with the Board suggesting examination of compensation options for farmers affected by wildlife activity.
Documentaries showcasing restoration work at Hokersar and Gharana wetlands and the functioning of the Hangul Breeding Centre were screened during the meeting. Several publications, including the Wildlife Calendar 2026, a coffee table book on wildlife in Jammu and Kashmir, a volume on the flora and fauna of the Pir Panjal region, and a report on the first recorded discovery of a hedgehog in the Union Territory, were also released.
