In a landmark achievement, Dachigam National Park in J&K has secured the highest Management Effectiveness Evaluation score in India, standing at a remarkable 92.97 percent. Among 438 national parks and wildlife sanctuaries assessed across the nation, Dachigam’s feat is more than a moment of pride-it is a powerful reminder of the vital role protected areas play in contemporary ecological frameworks. In an era marked by rapid urbanisation, climate change, and diminishing biodiversity, wildlife sanctuaries are no longer optional conservation tools; they are indispensable. Sanctuaries like Dachigam act as critical ecological buffers, preserving not only endangered species like the Hangul-Kashmir’s iconic stag-but also entire ecosystems that support the delicate web of life.
The success of Dachigam lies in a well-coordinated blend of traditional vigilance and modern conservation techniques. Anti-poaching measures, habitat enrichment, eco-development, and scientific monitoring have been actively pursued. The use of surveillance tools such as CCTV, GPS tagging of animals, and systematic patrolling has fortified its protective infrastructure. In today’s scenario, where poaching networks are increasingly tech-savvy and urban encroachments ever-looming, such high-end surveillance has become a necessity. Importantly, Dachigam’s achievement offers a replicable model for other sanctuaries in Jammu & Kashmir. With its unique ecological zones ranging from alpine meadows to dense forests, the Union Territory has immense biodiversity potential. However, without active measures-backed by policy support and modern tools-this potential risks being lost. Dachigam exemplifies that conservation is not a passive goal but a dynamic process requiring continual vigilance, adaptation, and public engagement.
The encroachment threat due to urban sprawl is real and growing. Many protected areas are already under pressure from nearby settlements and infrastructure projects. Hence, dedicated vigilance teams, legal enforcement, and active demarcation of sanctuary boundaries must become a standard part of sanctuary governance. Awareness among local communities and their inclusion in eco-development initiatives will further ensure that conservation efforts are both effective and sustainable. Wildlife conservation must transcend symbolic gestures and be rooted in real, measurable action. Dachigam has shown the way. The onus now lies in scaling this success across J&K and ensuring every sanctuary becomes a fortress of biodiversity.
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