Deputy Commissioner (DC) Budgam, Dr. Bilal Mohi-ud-din Bhat, today chaired a coordination meeting regarding the facilitation and authentication of Hokersar Wetland, a designated Ramsar Site, through Revenue Authorities.

The meeting was convened to ensure accurate demarcation, authentication of land records, and strengthened inter-departmental coordination for the long-term conservation and protection of the wetland.

During the meeting, detailed discussions were held on revenue record authentication, boundary verification, geo-referencing, demarcation of wetland areas, and removal of ambiguities in land ownership records to ensure that Hokersar Wetland is legally and physically protected from encroachments and unregulated activities.

The DC addressing the officers, emphasized the ecological significance of Hokersar Wetland, stating that it is not only a critical habitat for migratory birds but also plays a vital role in maintaining environmental balance in the region.

“Hokersar Wetland is a natural heritage site of international importance. Accurate authentication of revenue records and scientific demarcation are essential to safeguard this Ramsar Site from encroachments and degradation,” the DC said.

He further stressed the need for seamless coordination between Revenue, Forest, Wildlife, Police, and Survey & Land Records departments to ensure time-bound completion of the assigned tasks.

The DC added that all concerned departments must work in close coordination and ensure that the process of facilitation and authentication is completed in a transparent, legally sound, and time-bound manner.

The DC also directed the concerned officers to share verified data, maps, and records and ensure proper documentation to strengthen the legal framework for wetland conservation.

The DC directed officer to expedite the authentication process and reinforce institutional mechanisms for the effective protection, management, and sustainable conservation of Hokersar Wetland, in line with national and international environmental commitments.

The meeting was attended by ADC Budgam, ACR Budgam, SDM West, Srinagar; SDM Beerwah, SDM Khanshaib, SDM Chadoora, SDPO Magam, Regional Wildlife Warden, Kashmir, Divisional Forest Officer, Photo Interpretation (PI) Division, Divisional Forest Officer, Settlement & Demarcation, Srinagar, Kashmir; Range Officer, Hokersar, Budgam; Naib Tehsildar, Regional Director, Survey and Land Records, Srinagar; Settlement Assistant, Regional Director Survey & Land Records, Srinagar, besides other concerned officers.