Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 17: Minister for Forest, Ecology and Environment, Mian Altaf Ahmad, in presence of Minister for Housing and Floriculture, Raman Bhalla, inaugurated Tawi Herbal Eco-Park, spread over 133 hectares at Bandi Khad near Bahu Fort.
Commissioner Secretary Forests, Sheikh Aijaz Iqbal, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Vinod Ranjan, Chief Conservator Forests, Ravi Kesar, MD, SFC, Abay Kumar, Additional PCCF, Suresh Chug, DFO, Urban Forestry, T. B. Singh, Chief Conservator Forests, L. K. Sharma and Conservator of Forests, Roshan Jagi and S. Gurmeet Singh from SAWAYRA were present on the occasion.
Mian Altaf said that need of the hour was to sensitize the new generation about the importance of environment, adding that saving environment and protection of forests and wildlife has been prioritized in the State. He said that the drive launched by the department against forest land encroachers was showing good and encouraging results. He said department with active support and cooperation of the people has succeeded in fencing the critical areas, particularly in Jammu, adding that encroachment has almost all been contained.
The Minister said that efforts are being made to develop alternate eco friendly entertainment spots for Jammu people and the plan conceived by the officers of Forest Department for developing a park will benefit a large populace including domestic tourists visiting the city. He said this circuit connecting Mahamaya Mandir, Har Ki Podi Mandir and Bawe Di Mata Mandir will go a long way in promoting pilgrimage tourism in the Jammu city.
The Minister said that the park will provide an alternative to Morning Walkers, who only rely on University Ground besides the people living in villages adjacent to the park.
Raman Bhalla, while speaking on the occasion, said that development of park will go a long way in promotion of tourism activities in the area, adding the rush of pilgrims to Mahamaya Mandir, would further go up with a massive park coming up in its vicinity. He said influx of tourism to the state was increasing and there was a need to make them aware about new tourist spots being created in Jammu city.
Bhalla said that introduction of cable car from Mubark Mandi to Bahu Fort and development of artificial lake downstream Tawi river would add new dimensions to its attraction, besides offering more entertainment opportunities to the locals and the tourists visiting the City of Temples.
The Minister said development of eco friendly parks in the city has become a pressing need in the back drop of increasing pollution. He said 5D system would be installed in the park for entertainment of the children.
Senior officers of Forest Department, Panchs and Sarpanchs, NGOs and students of several educational institutions were also present on the occasion.
Earlier, the school children of ERA Public School and Environmental School presented a scintillating cultural programme.
Earlier, Mian Altaf inaugurated Computer Lab at Chief Conservator’s office Dogra Hall.
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