Srinagar – The coalition government today said that it has taken up the challenge to preserve the natural heritage of the state, besides its restoration and preservation here.
This was stated by the Minister of State for Forests, Environment and Ecology, Shabir Ahmad here today.
The Minister was speaking at a function organized by the department of Wild Life Protection in connection with the celebrations of Wild Life Week here today.
The Minister said that our state has conducive ecological flora and fauna to support a rich population of the wild life, adding that Kashmir valley has been a habitat for rare species like Hangul snow leopard, Brown beery Mush dear and some exotic birds. He said that present government has initiated various projects for conservation of Wildlife, including conducive environment and habitat protection, setting aside protected areas network in the form of national parks, wild life sanctuaries and conservation reserve for threatened and rare species.
He said that government is making every effort for habitat improvement, anti poaching drives and strengthening of the infrastructure and facilities of the wild life reserves.
Present on the occasion, were Commissioner Secretary Forests, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Chief Wildlife Warden, senior officers of the Forests and Wildlife departments, Principals of various educational institutions besides representatives of various NGOs.
Commissioner Secretary Forest Department, Chief Conservator of Forests, Chief Wild Life Warden also spoke on the occasion.
Later, the Minister distributed prizes and commendation certificates among the students of various educational institutions and volunteers of NGOs who participated in cultural programmes. (Observer News Service)