Juniper plantation to be promoted in forest areas of Ladakh. Advisor Narula chairs the first CAMPA steering committee meeting

Leh, Feb 08:The first steering committee meeting of Ladakh Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) was chaired by Advisor Ladakh Umang Narula.

The meeting was held in accordance with the provisions under section 18 (2) of the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Act, 2016 and discussions were held on the annual plan of operations of Forest and Wildlife Department, UT of Ladakh.

Activities such as assisted natural regeneration of Juniper trees in forest divisions of Leh and Kargil, bio-fencing of areas growing medicinal plants, supporting private nurseries for promoting plantation activities, etc were suggested for approval of the committee.

During discussions pertaining to the Wildlife Department, Advisor Narula gave directions to develop Tourist facilitation centers in wildlife areas frequented by tourists and develop a strategy to highlight the species of wildlife and avifauna and the sensitive ecology, thus making tourist visits informative and interesting.

Additionally, Hon’ble LGs directions for setting up watch towers equipped with binoculars, etc for sighting wildlife/ avifauna, especially in places such as Korzok, Tsokar and Tsomoriri, apart from conducting and documenting census of wildlife as well as avifauna at required intervals were deemed as important by Advisor Narula.

Apart from discussions on protecting crop fields in wildlife areas, compensation for crop loss caused by wild animals, and efforts for dealing with feral dogs causing harm to the wildlife, Advisor Narula highlighted the need to improve the standards of rural homestays, inclusive of proper toilets and suggested providing trainings to homestay owners by the Food and Crafts Institute and conducting capacity building tours for them to other states to understand the successful functioning of homestays as per guest requirements.

Principal Secretary Dr. Pawan Kotwal, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, JigmetTakpa, Divisional Commissioner Saugat Biswas, Administrative Secretary Ravinder Kumar, Chief Conservator of Forests, Ladakh Mohd Sajid Sultan and other concerned officials from Leh and Kargil attended the meeting.