Dachigam, July 8, 2025: Minister for Forest, Ecology & Environment, Javed Ahmed Rana, today felicitated officers and staff of the Wildlife Department during a special ceremony at Dachigam National Park, celebrating its remarkable achievement in conservation efforts.
Dachigam National Park has been recognized as the highest-scoring protected area in India, securing an impressive 92.97% score in the Management Effectiveness Evaluation (MEE) conducted by the Wildlife Institute of India under the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change.
Speaking at the event, Rana commended the dedication of forest officials, wildlife experts, and local communities in preserving the park’s biodiversity. “This achievement reflects the unwavering commitment to ecological protection and sets a national benchmark for other protected areas,” he said.
The felicitation event was attended by MLA Salman Ali Sagar, Commissioner Secretary Sheetal Nanda, PCCF Suresh Kumar Gupta, Chief Wildlife Warden Sarvesh Rai, NGO representatives, trainees, and senior officers.
Rana stressed the need for greater public awareness and anti-poaching efforts, while highlighting recent conservation successes, including a rise in Hangul population to 323 individuals as per the March 2025 survey.
He also announced key new initiatives:
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Recognition of five Wildlife Rescue Centres by the Central Zoo Authority
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Operationalization of 18 new eco-trekking routes
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Habitat improvement projects for wild species
The Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to promoting eco-tourism, biodiversity monitoring, and habitat restoration, under the leadership of Omar Abdullah.
During the event, Rana inaugurated a Wildlife Research & Training Centre and launched a one-day mandatory training on Wildlife Laws for officers. He also released a publication titled “Insights to Wildlife Health” and presented a Scroll of Honour.
MLA Salman Sagar emphasized community involvement in conservation, while Commissioner Secretary Sheetal Nanda called for sustained efforts to maintain ecological balance amid rising development pressures. PCCF Suresh Kumar Gupta underscored the importance of replicating best practices in other protected zones across the Union Territory.
