DC Budgam directs time-bound demarcation of Hokersar Wetland

Ziraat Times News Desk

BUDGAM, SEPTEMBER 09: Deputy Commissioner Budgam Athar Aamir Khan has directed officials to ensure timely completion of the ongoing demarcation of Hokersar Wetland, a designated Ramsar Site, stressing that precise identification of its boundaries is essential to prevent encroachments and strengthen conservation efforts.

The Deputy Commissioner issued the directions while reviewing the progress of the demarcation exercise at a meeting held on Wednesday.

He directed the concerned officers to submit regular progress reports and complete the remaining work within the stipulated timeframe, without avoidable delays.

Athar Aamir Khan emphasised that the demarcation must be scientific, precise and transparent, and carried out strictly in accordance with prescribed norms and verified field and revenue records.

The review covered progress on field verification, assessment of wetland boundaries, geo-referenced mapping, and reconciliation and availability of relevant revenue, survey and land records.

The Deputy Commissioner stressed the need for continued coordination among the Revenue, Forest, Wildlife and Survey & Land Records departments to resolve field-level issues and ensure accuracy in the final demarcation.

He said clear identification and demarcation of the wetland boundaries would be crucial for preventing encroachments, strengthening conservation measures and safeguarding the ecological integrity and biodiversity of the Hokersar Ramsar Site.

The meeting was attended by Assistant Commissioner Revenue 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.