Kashmir Impulse Desk
Jammu, Aug 21
Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology and Environment, and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, on Friday reviewed the functioning of the Wildlife Department and progress on development and conservation projects, with particular focus on Jambu Zoo and measures to prevent human-wildlife conflict.
Rana reviewed projects sanctioned under CAPEX for the Pir Panjal and Chenab regions as well as development works at Jambu Zoo.
He directed officials to complete all sanctioned works and activities on time while maintaining high standards of quality and sustainability.
Rana praised frontline staff for their work and urged them to continue strengthening conservation efforts and the department’s wider green mission.
At Jambu Zoo, the minister reviewed infrastructure projects including new and upgraded animal enclosures, specialised habitats for different species and facilities for rescued wildlife.
He said the works should be planned around animal welfare, scientific management and conservation.
Officials also briefed him on plans for walk-through aviaries, a butterfly park, and landscaped green spaces under the zoo’s development and master-planning framework.
Rana said the facilities should improve both conservation outcomes and public engagement.
He also reviewed arrangements aimed at improving the visitor experience, including walking tracks and battery-operated vehicles.
The minister directed officials to explore additional measures to increase visitor numbers and make Jambu Zoo more attractive to families, students and tourists.
He also called for examining Smart City bus connectivity to the zoo to improve public transport access and facilitate visitor movement.
Rana said greater public engagement could help strengthen awareness of wildlife conservation and biodiversity while establishing Jambu Zoo as an important educational, recreational and tourism destination.
On human-wildlife conflict, Rana directed the department to introduce safe, non-lethal deterrents to prevent wild animals from entering residential areas without causing them harm.
He also called for vulnerable locations to be identified, local communities trained in safe response measures and rapid-response teams strengthened to deal with wildlife emergencies.
Rana said protecting human lives and conserving wildlife must go hand in hand, with prevention and community participation at the centre of the strategy.
