*Evaluates conservation efforts for lakes and wetlands
Excelsior Correspondent
NEW DELHI, Feb 20: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo held an in-depth review meeting to discuss the expansion strategy for Jambu Zoo. The session centered on the updated layout plan, which encompasses the establishment of new animal enclosures, a walk-through aviary, infrastructural upgrades, and enhanced visitor amenities to boost the zoo’s appeal.
During the meeting, the Chief Secretary examined the current visitor numbers and engaged in thorough discussions regarding tactics to increase attendance. He highlighted the necessity of positioning Jambu Zoo as a key destination, especially during the summer season, to draw in a larger crowd.
Chief Wildlife Warden Sarvesh Rai presented an extensive overview of the current visitor facilities and the ambitious expansion plans slated for the next few years.
It was noted that 13 new animal enclosures are scheduled for construction in 2024-25, featuring notable species such as the hippopotamus, ostrich, Indian gaur, hyena, wolf, and fishing cat.
Regarding the zoo’s infrastructure improvement, the development plan includes creating nature trails and elevated walkways, log huts and tree houses, themed rest spots, and a toy train for children, which will enhance the overall visitor experience.
A significant future attraction is a Fossil/Dinosaur Park, designed to educate and entertain guests. Moreover, an AR/VR setup will be introduced, allowing visitors to explore extinct and rare species in a virtual environment. Plans also encompass supervised feeding sessions with key species, further enriching visitor engagement.
The Chief Secretary underscored the importance of consistent efforts in the zoo’s development to establish it as a world-class attraction. The expansion aligns with a broader vision for enhancing wildlife conservation, visitor interaction, and eco-tourism in the region.
Concurrently, Atal Dulloo chaired a meeting with the Forest, Ecology & Environment Department to evaluate its operations and review the ongoing conservation initiatives aimed at protecting the lakes and wetlands in the Union Territory.
During the meeting, the Chief Secretary instructed officials to develop a comprehensive action plan grounded in scientific principles for the rehabilitation of degraded forest areas within a defined timeline.
To improve forest land management efficiency, he directed officials to hasten the survey and demarcation of forest lands by installing boundary markers and digitizing records. This initiative aims to effectively prevent encroachments and protect forest resources.
Focusing on afforestation, Dulloo urged the department to accelerate its plantation efforts to achieve the ambitious goal of planting 1.5 crore saplings by the conclusion of the upcoming planting season.
Emphasizing the ecological significance of wetlands, the Chief Secretary acknowledged their vital role in the ecosystem and called for intense conservation efforts. He directed officials to ensure proper marking and safeguarding of wetlands while enhancing water quality and other essential parameters to secure their sustainability.
Concerning Wular Lake conservation, the Chief Secretary instructed both the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) and the Commissioner Secretary of Forests to personally visit the site to assess the status of ongoing conservation projects and develop a strategy to accelerate their implementation.
Regarding the conservation of Kishtwar High Altitude National Park, the Chief Secretary highlighted the necessity for increased workforce and intensified efforts to achieve measurable outcomes, pointing out that the scale of work required exceeds the current staffing levels, thus necessitating the allocation of additional resources on site to meet set objectives.
Additionally, the Chief Secretary reiterated the importance of early approval and implementation of the Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) in collaboration with other departments. He called for the establishment of an inter-departmental coordination panel tasked with ensuring smooth execution of the plan while aligning available funds with the envisioned projects.
Commissioner Secretary of FE&E, Sheetal Nanda, provided an overview of the department’s operations.
In his presentation, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) Suresh Kumar Gupta mentioned that the UT has a forest area of approximately 20,194 sq km (47.8% of geographical area) and a tree cover of 151.8 million trees, according to the Draft ToF Report, 2023.
