Early Times Report
LEH, Aug 6: Adding a new dimension to the vibrant eco-tourism in Ladakh, Lieutenant Governor, Shri Vinai Kumar Saxena has approved introducing "wildlife safari" on popular snow-leopard and bird-watching trails in high-altitude regions of the Union Territory. This would be India's first-ever "high-altitude wildlife safari", providing the visitors with a rare guided opportunity to witness Ladakh's distinctive flora and fauna.
The LG has directed the Forest Department to introduce guided Jeep Safari on the lines of popular National Parks like Kaziranga, Ranthambore and others, using specially designed open-back vehicles, to be operated by trained local drivers and guides. The objective behind introducing guided safaris is to prevent incidents of illegal off-roading and disturbing wildlife, besides strengthening sustainable and responsible eco-friendly tourism and enhancing visitor experience.
The decision was taken in the first governing body meeting of the newly constituted Snow Leopard and High-Altitude Nature (SHAN) Conservation Society, chaired by LG Shri Saxena. The Lieutenant Governor has directed the Forest Department to explore the possible safari routes across Hemis National Park, Changthang and Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuaries, apart from areas like Nubra, Zanskar, Sham, Kargil and Drass, that are known to have a sizable presence of elusive snow leopards and vivid avian diversity.
It has further been decided that 20 local youth will be selected, trained in birdwatching, bird identification and bird-spotting skills and will be provided with equipment like binoculars. Besides, 10 bird-watching hides will be created at major hot-spots.
Notably, Ladakh is home to India's largest snow leopard population - 477 of the country's estimated 718 snow leopards. Ladakh also supports over 38 mammal species, 340 bird species and 1,800 vascular plant species that have drawn substantial tourist attraction over the years.
The SHAN Society, constituted by the Lieutenant Governor on June 16 this year, seeks to formulate a comprehensive roadmap for community-led wildlife conservation, waste management and promoting plastic-free tourism, sustainable livelihood generation and responsible tourism across Ladakh.
SHAN Society envisages a unique model of environment conservation in Ladakh, wherein the government alone will not be responsible for environment protection, but local communities will be made active partners in protecting Ladakh's fragile ecosystem and wildlife. This will instil a sense of custodianship among the people, while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for them. |
