Srinagar: Department of Wildlife in association with School for Rural Development’ and Environment (SRDE) and Birds of Kashmir (BOK) on Friday organized ‘International Mountain Day’ at Dachigam National Park.
Every year, Mountain day is observed through out the world and this year Mountain Biodiversity was the theme selected by United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
The event started with a nature walk under the theme ‘Conversation on Conservation’ followed by the discussion at the Nature interpretation Centre.
Dr. Sheikh Ghulam Rasool, a prominent environmental activist stressed upon the sustainable development in Kashmir.
“Kashmir is rich is flora and fauna and it is high time to save our mountains. There is a need to start a integrated approach of development,” said Dr. Sheikh
“Conventional tourism is the most imminent threat to our ecology, we have to stop the hazardous development and focus on the sustainable and eco friendly development in Kashmir,” he added..
Ansar Ahmad, a member of (BOK) accused forest and wild life departments of negligence.
“I discovered Steppe Gull a few years back and I approached the wildlife department along with a research paper but they rejected my paper even after I provided proof.” said Ahmad.
He blamed that many bird species have remained undocumented in Kashmir and (BOK) has recently discovered Durain Redstart, common water hen, Common Redstart in Kashmir. There was no proof of their (such birds) presence In Kashmir before.
During the event, a documentary on Tousamanidan, filmed by Engineer Rashid, a filmmaker was also showcased.
