Advisor to Lieutenant Governor, Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar today visited the Gharana Wetland Conservation Reserve, R.S Pura and reviewed the progress on ongoing developmental works there.

During the visit, the Advisor took a detailed round of the wetland and took onspot assessment of all the ongoing construction works.

Interacting with the officers during the visit, Advisor Bhatnagar remarked that in coming years this place will be developed into a popular bird sanctuary with all facilities and services to make it one of the most attractive tourist attractions of Jammu region. He added that it is our prime duty to maintain the integrity of wetlands as they form the main habitat for migratory as well as other bird species.

The Advisor on the occasion directed the officers to complete the works on approach road, parking bay, chain link fencing drains as well as other facilities on time . "Utilities need to be provided to the local visitors as well tourists", said Advisor.

Pertinently, the Gharana Wetland Conservation Reserve holds around 65 species of birds, among which around 20 are migratory bird species coming from Central Asia, Mongolia, Russia and other places. The most common birds which attract visitors are bar-headed geese, common teals, Indian moorhens, gadwalls, green shanks flocks, purple swamp-hens Bar-headed Goose, Northern Pintail, Northern Shoveler, Black-winged Stian, Grey Heron, White-breasted Ibis, Pied Kingfisher and Eurasian Wigeon, Woolly-necked Storks and other species.

During the sidelines of the visit, the Advisor also interacted with the Sarpanch as well as locals of the Gharana area and discussed with them the issues and concerns pertaining to their area.

While interacting with them, the Advisor highlighted that the Gharana Wetland’s surrounding villages will benefit from the eco-and-border tourism in the area. He also assured them that all of their genuine issues will be addressed on priority.