“Our aim is to increase employment opportunities for local community”
Tauseef Ahmad
BANDIPORA, May 23: In a bid to enhance eco-tourism around Wular Banks and provide employment opportunities to the local fishermen community, the Wular Conservation Management Authority, Bandipora, has announced the forthcoming construction of a Nature cum Exhibition Center in every village who lives near the banks of Asia’s second largest freshwater lake ‘Wular’.
The initiative aims to showcase the natural beauty of the area while promoting sustainable tourism practices.The Nature cum Exhibition Center will serve as a hub for educational programs, guided tours, and interactive exhibitions, providing visitors with a deeper understanding of the unique ecosystem surrounding Wular Lake.
Speaking with the Kashmir Despatch, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Bandipora, Mudasir Mehmood said that after constructing Ghezebo and selfie points on Wular banks by (WUCUMA) on the banks of Wular nature Cum exhibition center will be constructed in villages who live near the banks of Wular.
“The establishment of these centers is a significant step towards boosting eco-tourism in the region and ensuring sustainable livelihoods for the fisherman community,” he said.
“We aim to create a platform that not only highlights the natural beauty of Wular Lake but also supports the local economy and promotes environmental conservation.”
“We are thankful to WUCUMA for constructing Gazebo and selfie points as it has increased tourist influx and employment opportunities for us, now these points are witnessing huge rush,” Mohammad Aslam a young shikara owner while speaking to Kashmir Despatch said.
“Earlier the peoples rely on water chestnut and catching fishes but now young youths are taking part by setting up shikara’s, tents works as guides for visitors,” Faisal Ahmad a local resident of Zurimanz said.
The construction of the Nature cum Exhibition Centers is set to begin in the coming months, with completion expected within a short period of time. The local community eagerly awaits the opening of these centers, which are poised to not only attract tourists but also foster a sense of pride and ownership among the residents, who recognize the immense value of their natural surroundings.
