JUMP TO BEAT THE HEAT: A Kashmiri swimmer boy jumps into the world famous Dal Lake on Sunday as the level of mercury rises

Wildlife census shows increase in Hangul population

There has been an increase in the population of Hangul deer, according to a latest census conducted by the Wildlife Department. The census has been conducted in collaboration with the Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun and Wildlife Trust of India, New Delhi. 
The Census was initiated on the Hangul to identify threats to the species and formulate a strategy to save them. The Hangul is characterized by impressive spreading antlers of the adult male and its rich brownish red coat. Female Hangul does not have horns.
The estimated population is now between 201 and 234, compared to 117-199 in March 2008. The male-female ratio and female-fawn ratio have also shown an upward swing in the current census.
The increase in population is being attributed to the effective measures which include protection and control on poaching taken by the Department, besides involvement of independent volunteers, researchers, students and the NGOs.
Hangul or Kashmir stag is a critically-endangered species found in J&K 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 Subcontinent. The species is placed under Schedule I in the J&K Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1978 and the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972. It is also listed in on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES).
The Department of Wildlife Protection, in collaboration with the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), has been regularly monitoring Hangul population in Dachigam National Park and its adjoining areas since 2004 through involvement of researchers, university students and the NGOs.
In order to conserve Hangul, a Species Recovery Plan has also been prepared by the Wildlife Department through the Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun for a period of five years and submitted to the Union Ministry of Environment & Forests for approval. 
Launching of the Species Recovery Plan for Hangul will help not only in conservation of this critically endangered species but also enrich the biodiversity of the habitat where Hangul is found. The project will be implemented with the active involvement of the local communities. The current census data will form a valuable input for the planning and implementation of the Species Recovery Programme.
The recent Hangul population estimation was conducted in March 2009 in Dachigam National Park and its adjoining areas like Dara, Nishat, Braine, Cheshma Shahi, Khonmoh, Khrew, Wangath Conservation Reserves and the adjoining forest areas of Akhal, Najwan, Surfrao, Kulan, Mammar, Ganiwan. 
The Department has also started construction of a Conservation Breeding Centre for Hangul at Shikargarh, Tral with financial assistance provided by Central Zoo Authority, Ministry of Environment and Forests.

Systemic approach to promote Kashmir tourism

Secretary Mr. S. S. Kapur today said the government is following a systemic approach for the promotion of tourism in the State. He said the approach has yielded results and trade enquiries are coming from a number of areas. In an informal chat with the electronic media, here today, the Chief Secretary said though due to elections in the country, the tourist arrivals have been slightly lower than the previous year, the last few days have shown increased arrivals. He said a high-level official team headed by Secretary Tourism is going to Jaipur to attend an interactive meet for boosting tourism in the State. On the improvement of Dal Lake, Mr. Kapur said the project will receive attention from the State government and would welcome positive and constructive suggestions from people including media. He urged the media persons to report things correctly and in proper context. He said the Dal Lake and houseboats are interconnected and hoped soon the houseboats would put in place necessary sanitation mechanisms. He said in this regard, 3 or 4 sanitation mechanisms have already been tested. The Chief Secretary said in the long term, Kashmir rail, four-lanning of the National Highway and Mughal Road are the projects which can provide critical infrastructure base for the tourism industry in future. Stating that State government has pursued early-completion of Qazigund-Udhampur rail link with the Centre, Mr. Kapur said the government has also requested the Centre to consider the Mughal Road project on cent percent funding on the pattern of Prime Minister’s Reconstruction Plan projects. He said the road is already trafficable for light-motor vehicles.

Mr. Kapur said in the Srinagar city, a number of roads with tourist importance are being given a decent look. He said the High Court recently passed an order making throwing of solid waste a punishable act and said culprits would be dealt with accordingly. He said the government is very serious about banning polythene for which law needs to be translated into action.