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| Jora calls for collective efforts to conserve Tibetan Antelope “Chiru” | | Appeals traders to strengthen handicrafts, Pashmina for sustenance | | SRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 10 :
Minister for Power Mr. Nawang Rigzin Jora has said that species of Tibetan Antelope locally known, as “Chiru” is rapidly vanishing in India and efforts should be made to conserve it with collective efforts by various sections of the society. He said the present population of “Chiru”, only source of Shahtoos shawls is estimated around 75,000 out of which only 150 to 200 are in Ladakh region and rest in China and Mangola. As per the study, about 20,000 “Chirus” are killed in China every year for making “Shahtoos” shawls. If the efforts were not initiated to save this species, found at highest altitude of over 5000 meters on earth, would be vanished completely within next 3 to 4 years.
These views were expressed by the Power Minister at a Seminar and interactive session aimed at “Shahtoos – Myths & Realities” organized by the local Chapter of Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA) and Wild Trust of India, New Delhi held at SKICC last evening.
Elaborating on the subject, the Minister said in view of ban imposed on “Shahtoos” in India, the efforts should be made to strengthen and encourage the other trades like handicrafts, Pashmina, carpets, papermachie that are world renowned products produced by the artisans of Kashmir Valley which is also mainstay for them. Though the “Shahtoos” is not the only product upon which the traders/artisans of our State should depend. In lieu of banned products, some alternatives are to be found for the sustenance of those who solely depend on weaving, reeling and combing the Shahtoos. This can be possible with the serious efforts of Government as well as traders and artisan communities, the Minister asserted.
Vice Chairman, Wild Trust of India, Mr. Ashok Kumar made a slide presentation of his study on the “Chiru” and efforts for its conservation in India and other parts of world. He apprised that after imposition of ban on sale or owning the Shahtoos shawls, the countries like China, USA and India are cracking down on those involved in this illegal trade as these countries felt great threat to this specie. He suggested, Pashmina an alternative for Shahtoos which is quite similar to the Shahtoos. Mr. Kumar advocated that no nation can afford killing of innocent wildlife for the sake of pleasure and luxury.
Chairman, Kashmir Chambers of Commerce and Industries KCCI, Dr. Mobin Shah put forth the view point of thousands of traders of Kashmir Valley who were engaged in the business of Shahtoos shawls and rendered jobless adding that after imposition of ban on the production of Shahtoos shawls, these traders have suffered badly. The Government has to seek some permanent solution to their problems as the artisans who were exclusively engaged in Shahtoos business cannot divert to any other trades.
Later in a question-answer session, various artisans and audience asked questions on the subject which were replied by the experts.
Vice Chairman, IIPA Dr. C.M. Seth, Member, Mr. A.K. Srivastava, Junior Vice President, KCCI, experts from different fields, educationists also addressed the gathering.
Among others, Dr. Ashok Bhan, Dr. G.N.Qasba and galaxy of audience were present on the occasion. |
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