Jammu, Nov 5: Minister for Forests, Ecology and Environment, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Altaf Ahmad Wani, on Thursday called for intensified efforts to protect Jammu and Kashmir’s rich biodiversity, stressing that conservation was a collective responsibility of the government and the people.

The Minister was speaking at a review meeting of the Wildlife Protection Department and J&K Forest Research Institute (JKFRI) at the PCCF/HoFF office in Jammu.
Wani said Jammu and Kashmir was home to rare wildlife species, emphasising that the Hangul, found nowhere else in the world, was a symbol of the region’s natural heritage. He directed the department to take up its conservation on a mission-mode basis through scientific monitoring and habitat improvement.
The meeting was attended by Commissioner Secretary, Forest, Ecology and Environment, Sheetal Nanda; Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force, Sarvesh Rai; Chairman, PCC, Vasu Yadav; Chief Wildlife Warden and Director JKFRI, Dr Suneesh Buxy; besides Regional Wildlife Wardens, DFOs and other senior officers.
The Minister was informed that J&K has a network of 50 protected areas spread over 4,861.282 square kilometres across 20 districts. These include four national parks, 14 wildlife sanctuaries, 16 conservation reserves and 16 wetland reserves. Eco-Sensitive Zones have also been notified for 10 protected areas.
Officials apprised the meeting that the Union Territory is home to 4,440 plant species, 111 mammals, 608 bird species, over 68 reptiles, 14 amphibians, more than 308 butterfly species and over 100 fish species. Its bird diversity accounts for 44 per cent of India's total.
The region also hosts 10 rare and endangered species, including four critically endangered species: Hangul, Kashmir Musk Deer, Markhor and Asiatic Ibex.
Expressing concern over rising human-wildlife conflict, Wani stressed that protection of human lives must remain a priority alongside wildlife conservation. He directed the department to strengthen Rapid Response Teams, ensure timely compensation to victims and establish early-warning systems in vulnerable areas. Awareness camps should also be organised in coordination with Panchayats.
He further directed the department to prepare a comprehensive compendium documenting J&K-specific wildlife, flora and fauna in consultation with experts to support research, education and public awareness.
Reviewing JKFRI's functioning, the Minister said scientific research must translate into practical benefits for forests, farmers and local communities. He called for stronger coordination between the institute, Forest Department, farmers and industry to ensure that research outcomes improve forest protection and generate livelihood opportunities.
The meeting was informed that JKFRI has established seed banks in Jammu and Srinagar for conserving seeds of forest tree species collected from designated Seed Production Areas. The institute has also developed cultivation protocols for medicinal plants, including Kuth, Tilpushpi, Mushkwala, Pushkarmul, Angur Shefa and Shinglimingli, besides mapping medicinal plants across both regions and raising their germplasm in its nurseries.
Emphasising public participation in development works, Wani directed officials to involve the concerned MLAs in projects undertaken in their respective districts, saying their participation would improve transparency and ensure better implementation.
The Minister also appreciated the department's geo-tagging initiative. Officials informed him that around 30,000 Chinar trees have been geo-tagged across J&K, with a digital database created. QR-enabled metal plates have been installed on 10,000 prominent Chinar trees in Kashmir and 3,500 Peepal and Bargad trees in Jammu.
The second phase will cover the remaining Chinar, Bargad and Peepal trees across the Union Territory.