The Directorate of Tourism, Kashmir in collaboration with the Department of Wildlife Protection and Adventure Tour Operators Association of Kashmir (ATOAK) on Monday organized various activities including Cycling, Trekking and a Nature Walk in the famed Dachigam National Park.In the early morning hours, around 30 enthusiasts and Adventure lovers from various walks of life took part in the events flagged off by Director, Tourism Kashmir, Nisar Ahmad Wani in presence of Regional Wildlife Warden, Kashmir, Rashid Naqash, WildLife Warden Central, Altaf Hussain and President ATOAK, Rauf Tramboo.A protected area, Dachigam National Park is known for its rich bio-diversity including the world famous and unique Kashmiri Stag (Hangul), Himalayan Black Bear (Haputh) and Musk Deer (Roose Kaet) and other wild animals, plants and bird species.The serene early morning freshness in Dachigam provided a perfect setting for Cycling, Trekking and Nature Walk. The participants were earlier briefed by Wildlife Warden Central, Altaf Hussain about the Dos and Donts while moving inside the Dachigam Park.With Tourism in Kashmir now open and gradually moving towards revival, the Directorate of Tourism, Kashmir has started its publicity campaigns primarily focused on communicating a message that Tourists can come here hassle free, as all COVID related SoPs are in place and enjoy our hospitality and experience nature in all its beautiful shades and manifestations Director Tourism, Kashmir said and added that we are also observing the National Wildlife Week (October 2-8) alongside to make people aware about the importance of Wildlife and the critical need to protect and conserve our biodiversity, which is directly linked to our Tourism.
Later in the day, the participants assembled at the Nature Interpretation Centre situated inside the Dachigam National Park. Besides the general discussion on Wildlife and importance of biodiversity to Kashmir in general and Tourism in particular, a wildlife documentary on Himalayan Black Bear in Dachigam was also screened.Speaking on the occasion, Director, Tourism Kashmir outlined the various components of Wildlife and underscored the need to conserve and preserve it. In the context of Tourism, he said, the richness of our biodiversity is what gives Kashmir Valley its unmatched beauty and every effort ought to be made to safeguard it from potential harm.Our vast green meadows, enchanting valleys, majestic mountains and our pristine streams and lakes is what brings joy to the visitor and fills him with awe Mr Wani observed.Regional Wildlife Warden, Kashmir and Wildlife Warden Central threw light on the significance of observing National Wildlife Week and the efforts made by the Wildlife Department to conserve and preserve wildlife in Kashmir Valley including dealing with Man-animal conflict.Regional Wildlife Warden, Kashmir, Rashid Naqash exhorted the participants to be wildlife ambassadors and actively participate in the conservation efforts and create awareness about the importance of safeguarding wildlife.