Minister calls for protection, conservation of forests
Srinagar: Minister of State for Forest, Environment, Animal & Sheep Husbandry, Fisheries and Cooperatives, Mir Zahoor Ahmad today visited Dachigam National Park and Laribal Trout Farm and took stock of their functioning and activities.
During his inspection of Laribal Trout Farm, the Minister was apprised about the progress achieved during the current fiscal there. He was informed that the farm had been equipped with the latest hatchery equipments. He was also told that the Farm produced the seed that caters to the demand of the Government and Private Farms running in the Valley.
The Minister was briefed that the Unit has earned Rs 20 lakh with the production of 50 quintals trout during 2016-2017 and this year the production is expected to increase.
It was also given that 20 quintals of rainbow trout are available for sale and the Unit produced 1.5 Lakh fisher lings of trout during the current fiscal, so far. It was also informed that the Laribal Farm has a capacity of 6 tones of production.
Taking stock of ongoing work on Main Feeding Channel at the Farm, the Fisheries authorities informed the Minister that the work on the Channel is apace and will be completed soon. He asked the Department to pace up the work and complete it with the stipulated time frame. He also asked them to prepare a comprehensive plan for the up-gradation and development of Laribal Trout Culture Farm and submit the same to the concerned quarter for the arrangement of funds.
During the tour, the Minister also take stock of the activities carried out by the Wildlife Department. Mir Zahoor asked the concerned to work with utmost dedication and ensure protection, conservation, and protection of forest wealth. He also asked them to organize awareness camps in surrounding areas of Dachigam National Park.
Mir Zahoor also inspected Rescue Centre in the Park and the concerned authorities apprised him in detail about the working of the Centre. He was informed that presently 4 Himalayan Black Bear, one Brown Bear and one Leopard are in the Centre.
The Minister was further informed that the funds for day-to-day requirements of food for wild animals available in the Centre are being provided by the Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) known as SOS. He was informed that about Rs 1000 per animal is incurred daily.
KV Correspondent
