Advisor to Governor, K Vijay Kumar today launched the battery operated car here at Mansar Lake, the largest freshwater lake in the Shivaliks.The Eco-friendly service has been introduced by the State Wildlife Protection Department as part of its eco-tourism promotion campaign and ensuring a healthy environment at the famous tourist place of the state. The battery car service is expected to increase foot fall at the lake surrounded by lush green forests.The department has procured three battery operated cars for the tourists to enjoy the ride around the lake and keep a check on carbon footprints.Commissioner Secretary Forests Manoj Kumar Dwivedi, Additional PCF Sarvesh Rai, CEO SMDA Nagender Singh Jamwal, other senior officers of Forest department and its allied wings were present on the occasion.Being the most visited tourist place in Jammu region, the service would surely attract the tourists and allow them to take a full round of the lake which is otherwise very difficult because of its long distance.After launching the battery operated vehicles, the Advisor along with Commissioner Secretary Forests took a ride around the Manasar Lake.The Advisor was briefed about the related activities that the department of Forests is planning to undertake for promotion of eco-tourism in the area.
He was informed that the tourists coming to the place would be benefitted from this facility as they can enjoy the ride along the lake on these vehicles which emanates zero level noise and carbon emission.While interacting with the officers, the Advisor asked Wildlife Protection Department and SMDA to work in coordination to ensure clean environment around the lake area and make tourists aware of this facility. The initiative would surely go a long way in boosting the tourism at this important tourist destination in Jammu division, he said.Later, the Advisor also visited the office of Range Officer, Wildlife Protection Department where he was shown the wildlife articles which are in possession of the department. The articles include antler of Chital, skull of monkey, eggs of Emu & Pea Hen, fetus of leopard cat & Hog deer etc.While interacting with the officers, Vijay Kumar sought details of the wildlife species that are found in the area and steps that the Wildlife Protection Force has taken for their protection and conservation. On the occasion, live demonstration was also given about the use of tranquillizer gun also called as capture or dart gun. It is a non-lethal air gun used for incapacitating animal targets via drugs.