Minister of State for Forest, Environment, Fisheries and Cooperatives, Mir Zahoor Ahmad today visited Nowhar Surisyar in Budgam and inspected the ongoing work on Rs 41 lakh Trout Rearing Unit there.On the Occasion, the Fisheries Department briefed the Minister about the progress of the project. It was said that an amount of Rs 36 Lakh have been utilized on the project, so far, and is expected to be completed within a month. Around nine kanals of land is in the possession of the Department for the rearing unit.The Minister directed the concerned to construct concrete bund on Nallah Doodganga as a safety and protection to the farm. He also asked them to start construction on boundary wall of the premises of the Trout Unit.During the tour, Mir Zahoor also took stock of Sheikh-ul-Alam Forest Nursery. He expressed satisfaction over the working of the Department and asked them to work with utmost dedication and zeal.The Minister was briefed that there are 3.34 lakh kail plants, 1.14 lakh deodar, 1500 fur plants and 1500 medicinal plants including dioscorea, artemisia, anwa and salvia sclarea sage saplings presently available at the Nursery.
Taking stock of the achievements registered under Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) in Charari Sharief block of the district, Mir Zahoor was informed that 15 hectare area tackled, 7000 rft fenced, 875 fence posts used and 21 quintals barbed wire was used. It was also given out that 18500 conifers were planted in the block, 1000 dibbling and 1000 patch sowing was achieved, so far, under the scheme.He was also informed that 60 sq hectares of encroached forest land has been recovered from encroachers during the last 5 years in district Budgam. The Minister directed the concerned to redouble their efforts so that rest of encroached forest land is recovered.Earlier, the Minister visited Ziyarat Sharief Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Wali (RA) at Charari Sharief.On the occasion, Mir Zahoor paid obeisance at the shrine and prayed for peace, prosperity and development of the State.The Minister also visited Yousmarg and took stock of activities carried out by the Forest, State Pollution Control Board (PCB), State Forest Corporation (SFC), Wildlife, Animal and Sheep Husbandry Departments.The Minister convened a meeting and reviewed the pace of various works under execution in the district Budgam.Among others, Legislator, Noor Mohammad Sheikh, Director Fisheries, Joint Director PCB and other senior officers of various Departments accompanied the Minister.