Nowshera to get Environment Park soon: Altaf

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 11: An Environment Park would be developed in Nowshera, which would serve as a potential tourist attraction besides furthering economic activities.
Minister for Forests and Environment, Mian Altaf, informed this while chairing an officers meeting held to review the functioning of Social Forestry, Wild life and Environment Departments here today.
During the meeting, detailed deliberation was held on various aspects of the project besides suggestions were also put forth to make it more convenient and comfortable for the visitors.
The Minister directed the officers to start the work at the earliest and ensure that quality and standard construction material is used in this project.
The meeting also reviewed the construction of Manigam Park in Kangan constituency. It was informed that Rs. 90 lakh have been expended on construction of the park, so far. The Park has wonderful view offering beautiful and picturesque spots to the visitors including the Amarnath ji pilgrims.
Taking stock of status of plantation under CAMPA for the year 2012-13, it was apprised that a proposal has been formulated in respect of 6 Social Forest Divisions including Rajouri, Kathua, Poonch, Srinagar, Anantnag and Kupwara. Besides, an area of 676 hectares of forest land has been proposed for plantation with an outlay of Rs. 3.70 crore for the year.
It was decided in the meeting that Rs. 1.50 crore would be released in the first instance to Social Forest Department for plantation and other works this year.
Commissioner Secretary Forest, Aijaz Iqbal, Director Social Forestry, Hafizullah Sidiqi, Director Environment, Suresh Chug, Chief Wild life Warden, A. K. Singh, Chief Conservator of Forest CAMPA and L. K. Sharma were present in the meeting.