Srinagar, Oct 11 : Dachigam National Park in Srinagar has been closed to visitors until October 31 to ensure a disturbance-free environment for the endangered Hangul during its annual breeding season, with authorities restricting public access and vehicle movement inside the protected area.
Kashmir News Service (KNS) Quoted, In-charge Ranger of Dachigam National Park, Rayees Ahmad Reshi, said the closure was ordered by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) to protect the animals during the sensitive breeding period, commonly known as the rutting season.
“The rutting season begins around September 25 and continues for nearly one-and-a-half months. During this period, it is important to provide the animals with a disturbance-free environment so that breeding takes place without interference,” Reshi told KNS.
He said the restrictions were imposed under the provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act and the Jammu and Kashmir Wildlife Protection Rules, 2024, with the objective of minimising human disturbance inside the national park.
He said the closure will remain in force until October 31, while the park will reopen to visitors on November 1.
Explaining the restrictions, Reshi said entry during the closure period would be limited to authorised departmental employees, while access for security-related purposes would be permitted wherever necessary.
He further said that private vehicle movement inside the park had already been prohibited under an earlier departmental order and that the restriction would continue.
Rishi also said that the department had observed encouraging signs in the park’s wildlife population in recent months, although he did not provide updated census figures.
The temporary closure is intended to allow wildlife to breed with minimal human interference before visitor access resumes next month. (KNS)
