Srinagar: J&K’s Principal Chief conservator of Forests Mohit Gera on Friday inaugurated the Biodiversity Park Venkara in Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir.
The park, on the outskirts of Baramulla town, is expected to attract children and inspire them to conserve biodiversity.
Speaking on the occasion, Gera said the Biodiversity Park has herbal Vatika which possesses 25 different medicinal plant species.
“There are various wooden artifacts depicting the natural heritage of Kashmir and there are informative signage installed for providing the education to students and visitors to learn nature in an open environment,” he said.
He said Jammu and Kashmir is rich in forests and the government is giving thrust to its conservation and sustainable use.
“The Venkara Park will attract students and inspire them to conserve biodiversity,” he emphasized.
The park in Jhelum Valley Forest Division Baramulla was inaugurated in presence of T Rabi Kumar Chief Conservator of Forests, Irfan Rasool Wani Conservator of Forests North circle, Shabir Ahmad DDC member, Pervaiz Wani DFO Baramulla and other forest officers.
Gera said the UT administration has taken a slew of steps to preserve and protect the forests and has also promoted responsible ecotourism. He said 75 trekking routes have been thrown open and rest houses have been made available to the public on online booking mode.
He distributed Van Mitra certificates to trekking clubs and schools who have participated in various forest awareness programmes.