Mehbooba for further strengthening of wildlife sanctuaries

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti today stressed on further strengthening of wildlife sanctuaries and reserves in the State so that the rare wildlife species, for which the state is known world over, are protected adequately and these places become good attractions for adventure lovers.
Chairing the fourth meeting of Jammu and Kashmir State Board for Wildlife here, the Chief Minister underscored the need for protection and conservation of world famed Hangul, Markhor, Musk Deer and other rare species which have given the state a place of pride not only in India but also in the world.
She said the biodiversity of the state is so rich that almost half of the mountain fauna of the world is found in Jammu and Kashmir only and asked the Department for taking concrete steps for the conservation and protection of the same.

Mehbooba also stressed on ensuring a natural environment in these sanctuaries and reserves rather than pushing the modern day necessities deep inside to provide the wild animals an ambience in which they don't feel scared or threatened.
She said nowadays we see more and more human-animal conflicts and the reason for that is that we have interfered in the life cycle and food chain of wild animals.
She appreciated the decision of the Forest Minister to plant 30 per cent fruit trees in forest areas so that the wild animals don't have to come down to civilian areas in search of food.

Asking the experts to ponder over these issues, the Chief Minister, who is also the chairperson of the board, said what is required is that the human intervention in the life of wild animals should be minimised to a possible extent.

She said where ever required the wild environment at these protected reserves be given further stabilisation in its own way rather than using the modern day concrete methods for that.
Mehbooba complimented the Department for bagging the top slot in a survey conducted by a national media house and hoped the officers and activists together would work for conservation of flora and fauna in the State.

On the occasion, the Chief Minister also released Census Report for Hangul in the State.