Altaf Wani reviews Wildlife Department and JKFRI functioning in Jammu
The Minister for Forests, Ecology and Environment called for mission mode Hangul conservation and strengthened response systems to manage human-wildlife conflict.
Minister for Forests, Ecology and Environment, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Altaf Ahmad Wani, reviewed the working of the Wildlife Protection Department and the J&K Forest Research Institute (JKFRI) in Jammu on Tuesday.
According to the Daily Excelsior, Wani stated that protecting Jammu and Kashmir's natural heritage is a collective responsibility of the government and the people.
The Minister directed the department to undertake Hangul conservation on mission mode through scientific monitoring and habitat improvement, noting that the species is found nowhere else in the world.
Wani expressed concern over human-wildlife conflict and instructed the department to strengthen response systems. He said Rapid Response Teams must reach spots without delay and compensation must be paid on time.
The Minister also suggested holding early warning systems and awareness camps in vulnerable villages with the help of Panchayats.
Regarding JKFRI, Wani directed the institute to ensure research outcomes translate into income for local people and better forest protection by strengthening coordination with the Forest Department, farmers, and industry.