Minister visits Dachigam National Park, stresses for Hangul conservation
Minister of State for Forest, Environment, Animal & Sheep Husbandry, Fisheries and Cooperative, Mir Zahoor Ahmad today shared his concern for dwindling number of world famous Hangul and stressed the need to take necessary conservation measures.
The Minister said this while inspecting various infrastructural facilities at Dachigam National Park and directed to maintain these assets properly. He desired to check and control the illegal practices especially grazing and poaching in the area.
He was informed that the work to demarcate and consolidate the boundaries of Dachigam National Park from various sides is under process while habitat improvement practices by way of planting Goovo fruit in Khrew and Kahnmoh has been initiated.
The Minister called for promoting eco-tourism in the National Park, besides promoting nature education and bringing children and students for eco-tours to acquaint them with the flora and fauna of the State.
The Minister was accompanied by Regional Wildlife Warden Kashmir Rashid Naqash, Wildlife Warden Central Division and other Senior Officers.
On the occasion, the Minister was apprised regarding the activities and major achievements including shifting of Sheep Breeding Farm Dachigam and population estimation of Hangul.
The Minister was informed that the Park is best known as the home of the Hangul, or Kashmir Stag as the Park harbors this last viable population of the endangered Hangul.
He was informed that the Himalayan Black Bear are also visible in the lower reaches from spring to autumn and hibernate in winters. “Long-Tailed Marmots are very conspicuous during summers in the upper reaches of Dachigam while Mouse Hare are active throughout the year. Other wildlife species include Leopard, Common Palm Civet, Jackal, Red Fox, Yellow-Throated Marten and Himalayan Weasel,” the Minister was told.
KV Correspondent
