Kashmiri Hangul not to hang from fine thread, Govt comes to rescue

          The Jammu & Kashmir government has prepared a Rs. 22 crore Species Recovery Plan for conservation of Hangul for a period of five years. The plan has been formulated by the Wildlife department through Wildlife Institute of India and submitted to the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests for approval.

          The main activities under this project include survey and census of Hangul, Leopard and Black bear in the Hangul habitat, purchase of field equipments, holding of workshops/ seminars on management planning, training and capacity building of the frontline staff, purchase of satellite imageries and GIS hardware and software, habitat improvement works, fire protection measures, construction of in-situ carnivore proof enclosure, anti poaching/anti-grazing activities, infrastructure development like construction of guard huts, watch towers, inspection paths, publicity and awareness and eco-development activities for the benefit of the forest dependent locals.

          Hangul, Kashmir stag, is a critically endangered species found mainly in the Dachigam National Park and its adjoining areas. Conservation of this species assumes great significance as this is the only survivor of the Red Deer group in the Indian sub-continent and it’s population has been declining over the years.

The significant feature of the Hangul Conservation Plan is that it will not remain confined to Dachigam National Park only, but will include other forest areas, sanctuaries and conservation reserves of Kashmir valley which are the relic habitats of Hangul.

The Wildlife Department has simultaneously started census and survey of Hangul all over Kashmir Valley in collaboration with the Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, Wildlife Trust of India, New Delhi and several research and academic institutions. This survey will indicate the distribution and population trend of Hangul in the relic habitats, apart from ascertaining their current population in Dachigam National Park. The survey will be useful in the execution of the Hangul Conservation Plan.

          The Department has also started construction of a Conservation Breeding Centre for Hangul at Shikargah, Tral with financial assistance from the Central Zoo Authority of the Ministry of Environment and Forests.

           Launching of the Species Recovery Plan for Hangul will not only help in conservation of this critically endangered species, but will also enrich the biodiversity of the habitats. The project will be implemented with the active involvement of the local communities.

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