The Punjab Government has mooted a project to develop Harike wildlife sanctuary as hub of eco-tourism. Recently, a new bird species — Jordan’s Sind Babbler — has been discovered at Harike wetland.
“The present eco-tourism plan is the initiative of the Punjab Government to allow the visitors to have access in the sanctuary area and create awareness among them about the natural resources of the sanctuary without disturbing the balance of the environment,” said the government spokesperson. He said that the main objective of developing eco-tourism in the sanctuary is “to promote awareness about wetland and wildlife conservation amongst the visitors through education and interpretation and to generate livelihood opportunities for people in the periphery of the sanctuary”.
He said that this project shall be environmentally sensitive, ecologically sustainable. Divulging further details, spokesperson said that the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests has recently granted approval for re-introduction of gharial in the sanctuary. Preliminary works are going on to carry forward gharial re-introduction programme, he said. He said that proposed project site has tremendous potential for eco-tourism due to international status of wetland and due to its location on the confluence of Beas and Satluj rivers with the abundance of wildlife and migratory birds.
“It is the only site where Indus River Dolphin and Jordan’s Sind Babbler are found in India and the endangered species like Smooth Indian Otters are also present here,” he said. Spokesperson added that it would be an “educative venture for the younger generation which will not only get a practical exposure of ecology but will also get sensitised towards conservation of nature”. This activity will be made more attractive and re-creative by establishing watch towers, animal watch cabins, interpretation centre, nature trail in the bank of rivers, eco-rides, boating and water trail in rivers etc, he said.
“local youth and local entrepreneurs along the border villages of Harike wildlife sanctuary would be encouraged to utilize eco-tourism as employment and income generating activity,” he said. Besides this, refreshment places, swings, sports and island stay shall be introduced in the phased and regulated manner which may lead to economic upliftment of the local community in this otherwise backward area.