Srinagar: Mulnar village located inside the Dachigam National Park is posing a serious threat to the sanctuary’s wildlife, including the Kashmirs famed Hangul (Kashmir stag).
According to insiders, a major portion of the park under illegal occupation of Mulnar villagers, is under constant stress. The portion ha been witnessing overgrazing, forest fires, and extraction of endangered medicinal plants, timber smuggling and encroachment by inhabitants of Village.
The Mulnar land was allotted to people under the Grow More Food programme vide Government order No. S-176 of 1967 dated 19.05.1967 and 240 of 1967 dated 12.07.1969 essentially for agricultural purposes and not for residential habitation.
However, over the years the vast agricultural fields bordering the park have metamorphosed into a concrete jungle village posing serious threat to the rare flora and fauna of Dachigam National Park.
As per sources the residents have encroached a prime land inside the park and have damaged the green trees, set them on fire and also destroyed the demarcation pillars and fencing in the area.
The authorities are watching as the mute spectators as no action has been initiated by the Department of Wildlife Protection, Forest Protection Force and other allied Departments including Lakes and Waterways Development Authority (LWDA) against the people responsible for these criminal acts.
A group of concerned citizens have demanded immediate attention and an First Information Report (FIR) against the accused under the relevant provisions of J&K Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1978, Ranbir Penal Code and other law in-force.
They also urge the State Government to relocate the village to some other suitable location away from the Dachigam National Park for the better Conservation and Protection of Dachigam National Park and particularly our State Animal, HANGUL.
Talking to Kashmir Observer, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, PCCF, who is the Chief Wildlife Warden, J&K, Suresh Chugh, said We have also received a lot of complaint regarding this and we are investigating the matter, necessary action will be taken against the accused villagers as per the law if found guilty
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