Dachigam evaluation recommends ‘Greater Dachigam Landscape’ for Hangul preservation

By: Mubashir Alam Wani

Srinagar: Even as Dachigam National Park has earned top national honours with a 92.97% score in the latest Management Effectiveness Evaluation (MEE) 2020–2025, concerns over the lomg term survival of one of its most iconic species, the Hangul (Kashmir stag), continue to be articulated from time to time.

As per the evaluation report, Dachigam, located on the outskirts of Srinagar and spread over 141 sq. km, is known to be the only global habitat of the endangered Hangul.

While the MEE rated the park’s overall management as “Very Good”, the report flagged critical issues, notably, the partial functioning of the Hangul Conservation Breeding Centre, inadequate winter patrolling, staff constraints, and poor coordination within the departments.

In a forward-looking recommendation, the MEE report  has proposed the establishment of a ‘Greater Dachigam Landscape’, aimed at creating Hangul corridors in PAs and nearby habitats, promoting eco-tourism, and extending road connectivity from Pehlipora.

“However, HWC has been reported around the PA, with management problems including staff mobility, challenges with winter patrolling, and an inadequate communication system,” reads the MEE report.

Dachigam PA is connected to two WLSs, creating a broader conservation area of approximately 500 Km².

The key recommendations from the MEE report include making the Hangul Conservation Breeding Centre fully functional. The report has also asked to phase out the outdated animal rescue facility.

As per the report, the Dachigam landscape, dotted with glaciers, lakes, and high-altitude meadows, not only supports rare wildlife but also supplies freshwater to downstream villages and parts of Srinagar.

The report states that the PA covers 141 Km² and is named after the “ten villages” that were relocated to establish a game reserve in 1910, aimed at supplying drinking water to Srinagar. It was notified as a NP in 1981 and is the only global habitat for the Hangul—(KNO)