SRINAGAR : Stressing the need for preserving and protecting rich fauna of the State, Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, today said wildlife infuses life in the natural grandeur and heavenly beauty of the State.
Chairing the 3rd meeting of State Board for Wildlife (SBW), the Chief Minister, who is also the Chairperson of the Board said that Almighty has bestowed J&K with rare fauna, flora, water bodies, wetlands, meadows, pastures, mountains and places of charming beauty which need focussed attention for conservation.
The Chief Minister gave his nod to the enhancement of compensation to Rs 3 lakh in case of loss of the human life in animal-human conflict. He also approved the enhanced compensation for grievous injury to 30 per cent of Rs 3 lakhs and Rs 15,000 for minor injuries.
While stressing on the need of reducing the chances of animal-human conflicts, Mr Abdullah asked the Wildlife department to appear a comprehensive summary for paying compensation to the affected breeders on account of loss of animals in animal-human conflicts.
The meeting discussed various matters pertaining to wildlife. It also took stock of the action taken by the Wildlife department on the decisions taken in earlier Board meetings. The meeting also discussed various suggestions put forth by the Board members.
In a PowerPoint presentation, the Chief Wildlife Warden presented resume of the present status of National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries and measures taken by the department for the conservation and protection of wildlife in the State.
He said increase has been registered in the population of Hangul in Dachigam area from 197 in 2004 to 218 in 2011.
He said 16 sites have also been identified to be of high potential as Hangul habitation. He said Hangul have also been sighted in Kishtwar area.
Population of Markhor has been registered at 150 in 2012 and these have been sighted in Hirapora and Poonch areas also. He said Markhor population of 25 to 30 have been reported in Tahkhuti-Kalamund and Khara Gali.
He said that the population of Black Necked Crane has gone from 79 to 139 while Chiro population has also shown remarkable increase. (AGENCIES)
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