Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, Hon'ble Governor of Punjab and Administrator, Union Territory, Chandigarh today chaired the 5th Meeting of the Wetland Authority, Chandigarh at Lok Bhawan, Punjab, to review the progress of various initiatives aimed at the conservation and scientific management of the Sukhna Wetland, a wetland of national importance.
The meeting commenced with a review of the Action Taken Report on the decisions taken during the 4th Meeting of the Wetland Authority. The Authority also deliberated upon and finalized the official logo of the Wetland Authority, UT Chandigarh.
Detailed presentations were made regarding the initiatives undertaken by various stakeholder departments for the scientific management and ecological restoration of the Sukhna Wetland and its catchment area. The Authority also considered a proposal to undertake a comprehensive study for the maintenance of the Kansal Diversion Canal and to prevent soil erosion through suitable Soil and Moisture Conservation measures.
While reviewing the progress of conservation initiatives, the Governor emphasized the need for integrated and scientific management of the Sukhna Wetland and its catchment to ensure its long-term ecological sustainability. He directed all stakeholder departments to adopt a coordinated approach for protecting the wetland ecosystem and strengthening biodiversity conservation.
The Administrator stressed the importance of adopting scientific and sustainable methodologies for effective weed management in the wetland so as to preserve the ecological balance without adversely affecting aquatic biodiversity. Expressing keen interest in the avifaunal diversity of the wetland, the Administrator sought details regarding the status of migratory birds visiting Sukhna Wetland and directed the concerned departments to explore appropriate measures for enhancing habitat quality to attract a larger diversity and population of migratory birds.
He further suggested that informative display panels depicting various migratory bird species be installed at suitable locations around the wetland to create awareness among visitors and promote nature education. The Wetland Authority was apprised of the key scientific and management initiatives undertaken for the conservation of Sukhna Wetland.
A comprehensive fish diversity survey conducted by the Department of Zoology, Panjab University, recorded more than 20 fish species, with Mrigal Carp (Cirrhinus mrigala) being the most abundant. Indigenous species account for over 80% of the fish diversity. Based on the scientific assessment, the Department of Fisheries has released 10,000 fingerlings of Catla, Rohu and Mrigal to strengthen the native fish population.
The Chief Conservator of Forests also informed the Authority about the ongoing scientific desiltation at the regulatory end of the wetland, being carried out as per the recommendations of IIT Roorkee in consultation with WWF-India. The project is expected to enhance the water-holding capacity of Sukhna Wetland by about 5.4 hectare-metres.
The meeting was attended by Shri H. Rajesh Prasad, Chief Secretary, UT Chandigarh; Shri V. P. Singh, Additional Chief Secretary to the Governor; Shri Mandip Singh Brar, Secretary, Forest; Shri Diprava Lakra, Secretary, Urban Planning; Shri Saurabh Kumar, Chief Conservator of Forests; Shri Amit Kumar, Secretary, Rural Development; Shri Raja Ram, Deputy Inspector General, Regional Office, Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change; Shri Syed Abid Rashid Shah, Secretary, Tourism; Shri Anup Kumar Soni, Conservator of Forests & Chief Wildlife Warden; Shri Pradeep Kumar, Secretary, Fisheries; Shri C. B. Ojha, Chief Engineer and experts from the Department of Zoology, Panjab University, WWF-India and the Wildlife Institute of India.