Ganderbal, Nov 2: In a significant step to preserve and protect the environment and natural habitat, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), has designated three places in Kashmir including Thajiwas area in the famous health resort Sonamarg as eco-fragile zone.
“In its draft notification the MoEFCC has designated three places in Kashmir as eco-fragile zones. The designated zones include Dachigam National Park, Thajwas Wildlife Sanctuary and Overa-Aru Wildlife Sanctuary,” sources said.
Notified as a wildlife sanctuary on March 19, 1987, the Thajiwas (Baltal) sanctuary is spread over 203 square kilometers. The main attraction of this area is the Kashmir Musk Deer and Himalayan Brown Bear.
The High Court put a fresh ban on constructions in Sonamarg in March this year keeping in view that the place is eco-sensitive. It is worthwhile to mention that the natural boundaries of Dachigam National Park, Overa-Aru Wildlife Sanctuary and Thajiwas Wildlife (Baltal) Sanctuary are connected at a landscape level.
The boundary of Dachigam National Park on North and North Eastern side merges with Overa-Aru Wildlife Sanctuary while as Aru Wildlife Sanctuary on its North and North-Eastern side merges with Thajiwas
Wildlife Sanctuary, as per the notification by MoEFCC. The ministry has said that no fresh construction should be allowed in and around these eco-fragile zones. “No new commercial hotels and resorts shall be permitted within one kilometer of the boundary of the Protected Area or up to the extent of Eco-sensitive Zone whichever is nearer.” Notably, these protected areas hold a significant population of some of the important endemic species of animals, birds and vegetation. Further, the Government has been asked to constitute a committee for monitoring the eco-sensitive zones in J&K and promptly outline their boundaries. As per the notification, the Committee should include one expert in ecology and environment, one representative of a non-governmental organization working in the field of environment conservation, and an expert in Biodiversity. “All new tourist activities or expansion of existing activities shall be in conformity with the Tourism Master Plan and guidelines as applicable”, it reads further.