The State will set up a snow leopard conservation centre at Lanka in Bhaironghati area of Uttarkashi forest division. On Saturday, the chief minister Trivendra Singh Rawat and Forest and Wildlife minister Harak Singh Rawat held a meeting with forest department officials on this subject.
The CM directed officials to conduct a census of the snow leopard population in the state. He said, “Special efforts should be undertaken for conservation of snow leopards and increasing their population.
With the support of locals and armed forces, the forest department should identify places where snow leopard sightings have taken place in recent years. A grid of such places should be made to ascertain the snow leopard population.”Rawat further said that conservation of snow leopard and other wild animals will also encourage winter tourism in the state.
The various species of wildlife in the mountainous regions are also a centre of attraction for tourists. He also stressed on the need for efforts aimed at conservation of species becoming endangered.
Stating that nowadays people are also more aware towards the importance of wildlife conservation, the CM said that forests and wildlife have a vital role in the state’s unique natural beauty.Department officials informed in the meeting that snow leopards have been sighted more in Uttarkashi and Pithoragarh districts. Their population has not been counted so far.
However, according to various studies there are about 86 snow leopards in the State. A detailed presentation was also made on the planned snow leopard conservation centre during the meeting.
Forest and environment principal secretary Anand Bardhan, principal chief conservator of forests Jai Raj, PCCF (Wildlife) Ranjana Kala and other department officials were also present in the meeting.