RAJOURI: In a significant move to bolster wildlife conservation in Jammu & Kashmir, Minister for Forest, Ecology & Environment, Javed Ahmed Rana, inaugurated the newly developed Carnivore Enclosure at Shachera Conservation Reserve in Rajouri today.
The inauguration is part of Wildlife Week 2025, observed across Jammu & Kashmir from October 2 to 8, which aims to raise awareness and encourage action for the protection of the region’s rich ecological resources.
The event was attended by DDC Chairperson Naseem Liaqat Choudhary, MLAs Javaid Iqbal Choudhary and Iftikhar Ahmed, Chairman of the Pollution Control Committee, Chief Wildlife Warden J&K, senior forest department officers, district officials, and members of local communities.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Rana emphasized the need for a unified and collaborative approach to preserve Jammu & Kashmir’s biodiversity. He highlighted that protecting the region’s natural heritage is both an environmental responsibility and essential for ensuring a sustainable future for coming generations.
Stressing the importance of community involvement, he said conservation efforts must actively engage local populations, particularly those residing near forested areas, to safeguard wildlife and habitats. He also called for coordinated action against encroachment, poaching, and habitat degradation.
The Minister outlined plans for innovative strategies in afforestation, biodiversity protection, and mitigating human-wildlife conflicts. He encouraged promoting eco-tourism that balances environmental sensitivity with sustainable economic development, benefiting local communities while preserving ecological integrity.
Rana further highlighted the adoption of modern technologies for forest surveillance, wildlife tracking, and habitat monitoring. He underlined that environmental stewardship requires interdepartmental coordination, policy alignment, and collaboration between government agencies, civil society, and citizens to achieve lasting conservation outcomes.
The inauguration of the Carnivore Enclosure marks a major milestone in strengthening protected areas in Jammu & Kashmir, with a focus on enhancing habitat-specific facilities to ensure the long-term wellbeing of endangered species.
