Bandipora, Oct 8: Union Secretary for Environment and Ecology T Chaterji, on Saturday asked Jammu and Kashmir government to constitute a committee of various connected departments to closely monitor utilization of funds provided by Centre for conservation and management of Wullar Lake.
Chairing a high level meeting, here in north Kashmir,  to review the centrally funded Rs 386 crore Action Plan for Wullar Conversation and Management Projection, Union Secretary, emphasized upon executing agencies to start the survey and demarcation of Wullar Lake on priority so that development and conservation work is started immediately.
“While implementing the action plan, necessary measures for development of catchment area, eco- tourism development, livelihood improvement of the inhabitants living across the lake should be taken care of,” he said.
Chaterji said the Central government has approved to release Rs 120 crore in the first phase of the development and conservation of the lake.
According to the plan a circular road is proposed to be constructed around the lake.
A 500-year old island present in the lake is also proposed to be developed on the modern lines in the plan besides dredging, maintaining of environment and removal of encroachment.
Currently most of the lake is encroached upon by the residents living on the banks and government departments, including Forest and Social Forestry. The Union Secretary visited various spots of the lake and took stock of its present dimensions.
Commissioner Secretary Forests Shant Manu, Principal Chief Conservator Forest RD Tiwari, Deputy Commissioner Bandipora Manzoor Ahmed Lone, DFO Bandipora Maqbool Rather and senior officers of the Forest Department were present in the meeting.

Lastupdate on : Sat, 8 Oct 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sat, 8 Oct 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sun, 9 Oct 2011 00:00:00 IST