Pulwama, Aug 18: Minister for Forests, Environment, Mian Altaf Ahmad today inaugurated Conservation Breeding Centre for Kashmir Red Deer commonly known as Hangul here at Shikargah.
 An amount of Rs 57 lakh has been incurred on the project in the first phase.
 Seized of the importance of conserving the wildlife, the department of wildlife formulated a conservation breeding programme to encourage the breeding in captivity to replenish wild population.
 Hangul a critically endanger species is found in Jammu and Kashmir mainly in Dachigam National Park and its adjoining areas.
 Speaking on the occasion, Mian Altaf highlighted the need for protection and conservation of wildlife in a picturesque State like J&K. He asked the department to make the breeding programme a great success using all available technologies.
 The Minister called for roping in local communities in the wildlife conservation measures. For the purpose, he suggested to have a sort of orientation for the locals.
 Mian Altaf distributed 50 LPG connections and stoves among the inhabitants living in the close vicinity of nearby forests under the centrally sponsored scheme.
 The Minister directed the concerned Divisional Forest Officer to provide timber to the consumers of the area for construction purpose. He announced 10,000 cft more timber for the consumers of Tral. He said the Shikargah would be brought under eco-tourism programme to develop it as a potential tourist attraction.
 Mian Altaf appealed the people to help the government in the conservation of the forests and promotion of flora and fauna activities. He said the distribution of LPG gas cylinders aims at discouraging use of forest woods for cooking purposes.
 Principal Chief Conservator of Forest, R.D.Tiwari, Chief Conservator of Forest,   Manzoor Ahmad, Chief Wildlife Warden, A. K. Singh, Chief Conservator of Forest Wildlife,   Muhammad Siddique and Conservator of South Circle, Manzoor Ahmad Tak were present.

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