Srinagar, Jun 6 (PTI) Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday called for a strategy for effective and efficient mitigation of human-animal conflicts, and directed for taking proactive steps to protect wildlife and its habitat.

Sinha chaired the fourth meeting of the Wildlife Board for the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir at the Civil Secretariat here.

Also Read | Sachin Pilot To Announce New Party? Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa Refutes Rumours, Says Talks of Rajasthan Congress Leader Floating New Party Mere Speculation.

The LG congratulated the officers and other stakeholders on the declaration of Shallabugh and Hygam as Ramsar sites. With this development, Jammu Kashmir ranks fourth in the country in terms of the largest network of wetlands.

Sinha lauded the efforts to conserve and protect the precious wildlife of Jammu and Kashmir and called for proper utilisation of natural resources, promotion of trekking routes and a strategy for effective and efficient mitigation of human-wildlife conflicts.

Also Read | Delhi Shocker: Two Minor Siblings Found Dead Inside Box At Their House in Jamia Nagar; Accidental Asphyxiation Suspected.

He directed for taking proactive steps to protect wildlife and its habitat.

Greater coordination among the stakeholders must be ensured to dismantle the nexus of poachers, he added.

"Integrated development of wildlife habitats should be our top priority. Our efforts must focus on strengthening ecological integrity and conservation of priceless resources through people's participation," the LG said.

A detailed overview of the significant achievements made regarding the protection and conservation of wild animals and their habitats was presented during the meeting.

The board also discussed the development of city forests in Jammu and Srinagar, and accorded approvals to several agenda points, including developing amenities for travellers along the Mughal road.

A publication on "Hangul Population Monitoring Exercise, 2023" was also released on the occasion.

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)