Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, today inaugurated Eco-Vista at Raika Park Jammu, a state-of-the-art museum that showcases forest treasures of Jammu and Kashmir.
Javed Rana, who was the chief guest on the occasion, said that Eco-Vista is a significant step forward in restoring and preserving the natural heritage of our beautiful region. He said that it redefines sustainability from a reactive measure to a proactive, regenerative strategy.
EcoVista has been developed as a state-of-the-art museum dedicated to showcasing the rich, diverse and invaluable forest treasures of Jammu & Kashmir. It displays rich collection of forest products, geological rock samples, antlers, seeds, cross sections of wood, arts and crafts among other products.
While praising the Department of Ecology, Environment and Remote Sensing for the concept, the Minister said that Eco-Vista is not just another museum, it is a living tribute to the unparalleled beauty and ecological significance of our forests.
“Through its innovative exhibits, photographs, samples, and models, this museum brings to life the extraordinary bounty of our forests,” he said.
Rana said that Eco-Vista provides with the opportunity to connect with the forest not just through textbooks, but through direct, tactile experience. It will help foster a deep sense of appreciation and responsibility toward our natural environment, he said.
Javed Rana further said that Eco-Vista will play an essential role in building awareness and appreciation for the treasures of our forests. “This museum is an asset for the people of Jammu and Kashmir and a proud legacy for our future generations,” he added. He said that Eco-Vista has the potential to become a major tourist destination for the people of Jammu and Kashmir and for visitors from across the country and beyond. Its unique exhibits, interactive displays and connection to the natural world will undoubtedly make it an important point of interest for the travellers and nature enthusiasts alike, he added.
Rana also stressed on the need to increase footfall and make the general public more conscious, nature-loving and mindful of their surroundings. He added that it is essential to create engaging, accessible and educational experiences that connect people with the environment.
Elaborating on the environmental conservation, he said that in the current context of global warming, the importance of the environment has become more critical than ever. He called for more eco-friendly measures to preserve the precious gene pool of flora and fauna of the area.
“The future of our planet depends on the urgent action to restore and safeguard the environment against the accelerating effects of global warming,” he said.
Javed Rana said that protection of environment means actively fighting climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting renewable energy and preserving biodiversity.
“The future survival of the planet depend on urgent action to restore and safeguard the environment against the accelerating effects of global warming. Protecting and preserving our environment is not only about maintaining nature's beauty, but also about securing the foundation of human health, well-being, and economic stability,” asserted the Minister.
One of the most remarkable features of Eco-Vista is its live sample displays, which will serve as a dynamic, hands-on learning resource for the younger generation.
He praised the efforts of the Department of Ecology, Environment and Remote sensing and said that this initiative will serve as a shining example of how we can blend education, conservation and tourism to benefit both our community and the world at large.
Commissioner Secretary, Forests, Ecology & Environment, Sheetal Nanda, said that Eco-Vista has given a sense of completion to the Raika Park. She said that nature interpretation centers like Eco-Vista helps to get more in touch with nature and we all should take responsibility in environmental protection and preservation.
Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Suresh Kumar Gupta, while speaking on the occasion said that we need to replicate Eco-Vistas to other locations. He further called upon the concerned to spread a concerted awareness campaign in schools, colleges so that students will learn about the treasures of our forest.