BUDGAM: The Deputy Commissioner Budgam, Athar Aamir Khan, today chaired a meeting to review the progress of ongoing demarcation of Hokersar Wetland, a designated Ramsar Site.
The meeting was attended by Assistant Commissioner Revenue (ACR) Budgam, Afroza Bano; SDM (West) Srinagar, Irfan Bahadur; Divisional Forest Officer/DFO Wildlife, Mohd Altaf; Representatives of the Photo Interpretation Division J&K; Divisional Forest Officer, Settlement & Demarcation Srinagar; Range Officer Hokersar; Tehsildar Budgam; Naib Tehsildar; Regional Director, Survey & Land Records Srinagar; Settlement Assistant; and other concerned officers attended the meeting.
During the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner took a detailed review of the progress made since the previous review, particularly with regard to field verification, assessment of wetland boundaries, geo-referenced mapping, and reconciliation and availability of relevant revenue, survey and land records.
Emphasising the ecological significance of Hokersar Wetland, the Deputy Commissioner asserted that scientific, precise and transparent demarcation is essential for its long-term conservation, protection and effective management. He stressed that the exercise must be undertaken strictly as per prescribed norms and based on verified field and revenue recorecord.
He underscored the need for continued coordination among the Revenue, Forest, Wildlife and Survey & Land Records departments, stating that concerted efforts are vital for resolving field-level issues and ensuring accuracy in the final demarcation.
He directed the concerned officers to submit regular progress reports and ensure that the remaining work is completed within the stipulated timeframe, with no avoidable delays.
The Deputy Commissioner further stated that clear identification and demarcation of the wetland boundaries is crucial for preventing encroachments, strengthening conservation measures and safeguarding the ecological integrity and rich biodiversity of the Hokersar Ramsar Site.
