Jammu: Department of Wildlife Protection organised a trekking event from Patnitop to Sudhmahadev Saturday. The 7.5 km long trek was flagged off by retired Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and member of Wildlife Board, OP Sharma. The trek has been developed by Wildlife Protection Department with facilities like resting places, viewpoints, water points and signages.
60 participants from various districts including students, scholars, academicians, nature enthusiasts, local youth and PRI members were part of the trek. Starting at 11 am, the trek completed in around four hours.
Prominent places of the trek included mesmerising views of the Dudu valley and various streams and natural springs.
While inaugurating, the Chief Guest appealed the participants to carry the message of protection and conservation of nature and wildlife to society. He also apprised the participants about biodiversity along the trek. Parkash Chand, Chairman of Block Development Committee appreciated the Wildlife Department for taking such initiative and suggested organising more such programmes.
Department of Wildlife Protection has identified and mapped 18 trek routes in various wildlife-protected areas of J&K. The department is organising trekking programmes regularly on these treks. The Eco-Tourism promotion initiative is aimed at raising awareness about wildlife conservation and for educating people aware about the rich biodiversity and natural heritage of J&K. The programme also aims to enhance the livelihood of local communities.
The programme was organised by Wildlife Warden, Jammu, Anil Atri, under the guidance of Chief Wildlife Warden, J&K Suresh Kumar Gupta.
