Dachigam National Park, the last bastion for critically endangered Hangul or Kashmir Stag, is fast tuning into a garbage dump, thanks to unfettered entry of visitors by local administrations.According to locals, the entry of visitors to the park has not been regulated in a manner required for a park like Dachigam.“Plastic bags, paper cups and empty plastic cool drink bottles are a common sight these days in the park. The garbage strewn all over the park makes one feel sick,” a delegation of locals told GNS, seeking indulgence of government to regulate the visitors flow as well as ensuring there is no degradation of the clean environment of the area.“The entry of visitors is like that of Mughal gardens and if it continues the manner it has been off late, we may see heaps of garbage inside the park which is the bastion of the animal glorified as the state animal,” they said.
In the recent past, the population of 'Hangul', a highly endangered species found only in Dachigam National Park alone, has increased substantially. However, it continues to be endangered and in last few decades due to several reasons including poaching, habitat destruction and over-grazing by domestic livestock, the number dwindled significantly.When contacted, Rouf Zargar, Wildlife Warden, Central pision, denied that there is trash littered in the park.“As far as my knowledge is concerned, there is no trash inside the park,” he told GNS.When asked that pictures, available with GNS show trash littered in the park, he said, “Still you have brought the issue in my notice; I will check it out and ensure there is nothing of this sought.” Regarding issue of visitors, he said that it is being strictly regulated even during peak tourist season. (GNS)