Budgam, Feb 19, KNT: Deputy Commissioner Budgam Dr Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat on Thursday chaired a meeting to review progress on demarcation of the Hokarsar Wetland, a designated Ramsar Site, being undertaken by Revenue and allied departments.
The meeting was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner Budgam, SDM West Srinagar, SDPO Magam, Divisional Forest Officers concerned, Range Officer Hokarsar, Naib Tehsildar, and officials from Survey and Land Records and Settlement departments.
During the review, the Deputy Commissioner examined the status of field verification, boundary assessment, geo-referenced mapping and availability of relevant land records with each department. He underscored the need for accurate, scientific and dispute-free demarcation to ensure long-term conservation and legal protection of the wetland.
He stressed strict adherence to directions and called for enhanced coordination among Revenue, Forest, Police and Survey and Land Records teams. Officers were directed to remove bottlenecks and maintain close inter-departmental communication for seamless execution of the exercise.
The Deputy Commissioner also instructed concerned agencies to submit updated status reports and expedite pending tasks to complete the demarcation in a transparent and time-bound manner.
He reiterated that Hokarsar Wetland, being a Ramsar Site of international ecological importance, must be safeguarded through robust management and clear boundary identification to prevent encroachment and preserve its ecological sustainability. [KNT]
