Jammu, December 13 (Scoop News) – The Deputy Commissioner (Collector) Jammu has declared Gharana Wetland Reserve under the Jammu and Kashmir Wildlife Protection Act, 1978. The Collector also invited objections with regard to entitlement in the land coming under the above mentioned area, if any, within a period of two months from the date of publication of the said notification in the government gazette.
The Government has already accorded sanction to notify Gharana Wetland Reserve in the interest of wildlife preservation and development.
Deputy Commissioner said wetland reserve is treated as Wetland Conservation Reserve from the commencement of Jammu and Kashmir Wildlife Protection Act 1978 and Gharana Wetland Conservation Reserve is under the control and management of the Department of Wildlife Protection, Jammu and Kashmir Government.
The Gharana Wetland Conservation Reserve supports a population of 20000 to 25000 birds of different species during every winter most of the species being migratory, endangered and covered under different schedules of the Act. This Reserve has also been declared as Important Bird Area (IBA).
Any attempt by any person to alter the boundaries, divert the land of the Protected Area or impede the working of the Department of Wildlife Protection for the management of the area and protection of wildlife shall be violation of the Jammu and Kashmir Wildlife Protection Act. 1978.
Any person found guilty under the Jammu and Kashmir Wildlife Protection Act. 1978 (amended 2002) and Supreme Court’s order shall be prosecuted under the law.