Srinagar, May 4: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday underscored the importance of balancing developmental needs with ecological sustainability.
Chairing the 7th meeting of the J&K Wildlife Board at Lok Bhavan in Srinagar, LG Sinha emphasised the need to safeguard and strengthen the unique biodiversity of J&K.
The board deliberated on key conservation and development matters and accorded approval for the construction of the Asha-Cheema-Gurdaligali-Aphrawat-Sarson-Anita Road at Gulmarg Wildlife Sanctuary, Baramulla.
Now, the proposal would be recommended to the Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (SCNBWL) for grant of wildlife clearance.
The board was also apprised of various initiatives undertaken by the department for the conservation and protection of wildlife resources across J&K.
The meeting was attended by Javed Ahmed Rana, Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology and Environment, and Tribal Affairs Departments; Devinder Kumar Manyal and Mian Mehar Ali, Members of the Legislative Assembly; Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary; Mandeep K Bhandari, Principal Secretary to LG; Sheetal Nanda, Commissioner Secretary, Forest, Ecology and Environment Department; Sarvesh Rai, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force; Chaturbhuja Behera, PCCF and Chief Wildlife Warden, J&K, along with eminent conservationists, ecologists, environmentalists, representatives of the Army, NGOs working in the wildlife sector, and other members of the board.
