Minister for Tourism, Jammu & Kashmir calls for
eco-conservation of Surinsar lake.
Jammu, November 26- To preserve the sensitive eco-system of Surinsar lake, home to some of the rare migratory birds, the Wildlife Department would lay floating barricades around the sanctuary situated in midst of the lake. Mansar-Surinsar Development Authority (MSDA), set up to develop tourism infrastructure in the areas adjoining Mansar and Surinsar lakes, will provide funds and technical expertise for the purpose.
Stating this, the Minister for Tourism and Culture Jamm & Kashmir, Mr. Nawang Rigzin Jora, said that construction of view decks and fencing around the lake will be done by the Wildlife Department, as the land comes under the ambit of forest area. He said that synergy between development and environment needs to be maintained, adding that the sensitive eco-system of the lake will be preserved. He asked the MSDA to earmark funds for the purpose in their Action Plan for development of tourism facilities in Surinsar Lake area. He also called for renovating the old forest Dak Bungalow.
Minister of State for Tourism, MLA, Nagrota, Secretary, Tourism and Culture, Director Eco- Tourism, Regional Wild Life Warden, Wild Life Warden Mansar-Surinasar, Chief Executive Officer, MSDA, Deputy Director Tourism, Jammu were among others present in the meeting.
The meeting apprised that the Department has made a Comprehensive Plan for de-weeding the lake. It was decided during the meeting that Wildlife Department would consider the viability of operating boats in the lake for pleasure ride by visiting tourists, which would not only generate employment for local unemployed youth but, also give fillip to the economy of the region.
The Minister said that Government intends to create world-class facilities at the lakes of the Surinsar and Mansar, adding that the main objective for setting up MSDA was to identify the tourism potential in the areas located between the twin lakes and develop infrastructure facilities to cater to the visiting tourists. He said Rs. 20 crore has been earmarked for undertaking different development works by MSDA.
Speaking on the occasion, the Minister of state for Tourism said that every effort is being made to divert the pilgrims visiting Mata Vaishno Devi to other tourist places in and around Jammu. He said that Mansar and Surinsar, with their salubrious environment have tremendous potential to emerge as important tourist halts in the region.
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