Srinagar, 8 July (H.S.): Minister for Forest, Ecology & Environment, Javed Ahmed Rana, today felicitated the officers and staff of the Wildlife Department for their outstanding achievement in conservation of protected areas in Jammu and Kashmir during an event organised at Dachigam National Park.

The Minister appreciated the officers and other stakeholders who contributed in making Dachigam National Park highest-scoring protected area in the country with a remarkable score of 92.97% in Management Effectiveness Evaluation (MEE) exercise conducted by the Wildlife Institute of India under the aegis of Union Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change.

MLA Salman Ali Sagar; Commissioner Secretary, Forest, Ecology & Environment, Sheetal Nanda; Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Suresh Kumar Gupta; Chief Wildlife Warden, J&K, Sarvesh Rai; Senior Officers/ HoDs; representatives of NGOs; staff and trainees attended the felicitation ceremony.

Rana said that Dachigam National Park’s achievement is a testament to the unwavering commitment and dedication of the forest department, wildlife experts and local communities towards conservation of protected areas.

Hailing the achievement, Javed Rana said that the park’s excellence in biodiversity protection, ecological management, staff efficiency and community engagement has set a benchmark for other protected areas to follow. He said that there is a long way to go and hoped that the department will continue to work with renewed enthusiasm.

Highlighting the impacts of trespassing natural boundaries of ecology, Javed Rana said that today’s climatic challenges being faced at national and international level are due to the ecological imbalance attributed to unrestricted man activities. He said that JK is bestowed with numerous natural resources that put additional responsibilities on our shoulders to maintain that dignity.

The Minister highlighted the importance of community awareness, anti-poaching efforts and collaborative conservation initiatives in protecting the JK’s natural heritage. He also noted the heartening increase in the Hangul population, with 323 individuals recorded in the latest survey of March 2025, considered a viable number.

To further enhance the conservation efforts, the Minister announced several initiatives including formal recognition of five Wildlife Rescue Centres by the Central Zoo Authority, operationalization of 18 new trekking routes and improving the habitat of wild animals.

The Minister reiterated the Omar Abdullah-led Government’s commitment to protect Jammu and Kashmir’s natural heritage and promote eco-tourism, biodiversity monitoring and habitat restoration.

On the occasion, the Minister inaugurated the Wildlife Research & Training Centre and a one-day compulsory training course on Wildlife Laws for Officers.

Javed Rana also released a booklet titled “Insights to Wildlife Health” and a Scroll of Honour on celebration of the event.

MLA Salam Sagar highlighted the need to create awareness among the locals regarding management and conservation efforts.

Commissioner Secretary, Sheetal Nanda, said that it is a proud moment for all of us that Dachigam National Park has gained national recognition in conservation and management efforts. She said that there is need to do more for maintaining the ecological balance in the coming years, amidst development pressures.

PCCF Suresh Kumar Gupta said that there are challenges in the conservation journey and we have to replicate the best practices in other protected areas of Jammu and Kashmir.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar