Forest & Wildlife Department steps up efforts to keep Renuka wetland clean

The cleanliness and maintenance efforts in the Renuka wetland, a historic and scenic location in Sirmaur district of Himachal Pradesh, are set to receive a significant boost. The state’s Forest and Wildlife Department has taken it upon itself to ensure the preservation and cleanliness of the precious wetland by implementing a detailed strategy with clearly defined targets.

The department has announced that its employees would now conduct comprehensive cleaning of the entire wildlife sanctuary twice a month. This initiative aims to maintain the natural beauty and ecological balance of the site which attracts both tourists and wildlife enthusiasts. The decision comes as part of broader efforts to preserve Renuka Lake, a key feature of the area, from potential environmental degradation.

Divya Sharma, Wildlife Range Officer, Renuka wetland, emphasised on the importance of keeping the surroundings of the wetland clean. Sharma pointed out that if garbage was not regularly removed, it might end up in the lake and become potentially hazardous to the aquatic life in the water body.

Sharma said the cleaning initiative would include active participation of all departmental staff with regular drives scheduled twice a month.

To further bolster these efforts, the department would install more garbage bins along the circumferential walking path around the lake, Sharma added.

Signboards would also be installed to disseminate information among tourists and pilgrims, who frequent the area, about responsible waste disposal thereby raising awareness about keeping the lake and its surroundings free from litter, Sharma said.

Besides cleaning efforts, the department has been actively removing an invasive weed known as Kala Bansa from the lake’s banks. If left unchecked, this weed can harm the lake’s ecosystem. By regularly clearing the weed, the department is facilitating the growth of native plant species, which contribute to the overall ecological balance of the surrounding forests.

Before the onset of the monsoon season, the department had already carried out extensive drive to remove aquatic weed from the lake. The ongoing cleanliness drive is part of a larger conservation efforts aimed at preserving the natural heritage of Renuka Lake and its surrounding areas.

Officials of the Forest and Wildlife Department have appealed to the visitors to support these efforts by refraining from littering and contributing to the preservation of the unique and ecologically significant area.

Through collaborative efforts between the department and the public, the natural beauty and biodiversity of Renuka wetland could be safeguarded for future generations, they said.