Forest Minister Rana inaugurates carnivore enclosure in Rajouri

Aimed at strengthening wildlife conservation efforts, Forest, Ecology & Environment Minister Javed Ahmed Rana inaugurated the newly-developed Carnivore Enclosure at Shachera Conservation Reserve in Rajouri, a release said.

The inauguration is part of the ongoing Wildlife Week 2025 celebrations, being observed across Jammu & Kashmir from October 2 to 8, aimed at fostering awareness and action for the protection of UT’s diverse ecological resources.

Addressing the gathering, the Minister underscored the urgent need for a unified and collaborative approach to safeguarding the rich biodiversity of Jammu & Kashmir. He stressed that protecting natural heritage is not only a moral and environmental imperative but also essential for securing a sustainable and resilient future for generations to come.

Highlighting the role of community engagement, Rana noted that conservation cannot succeed in isolation. He called for active involvement of local communities, particularly those living in and around forested areas, as key partners in safeguarding wildlife and natural habitats.

He further called for coordinated action to address the challenges of encroachment, poaching and habitat degradation. Rana also outlined a vision for adopting innovative strategies in the fields of afforestation, biodiversity conservation and human-wildlife conflict mitigation.

He called for the promotion of eco-tourism in a way that balances environmental sensitivity with sustainable economic development, ensuring local communities benefit while ecological integrity is preserved.

He laid strong focus on the adoption of modern technologies for forest surveillance, wildlife tracking and habitat monitoring. Rana reiterated that environmental stewardship is a shared responsibility that must extend beyond departmental boundaries.

He further advocated for enhanced interdepartmental coordination, policy alignment, and greater collaboration between government agencies, civil society and citizens to drive impactful and lasting conservation outcomes.

Pertinently, the inauguration of the Carnivore enclosure marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to strengthen protected areas in Jammu & Kashmir.