Srinagar, Dec 29: The population of Hangul (Kashmir stag) in Kashmir has increased from 127 in 2008 to 323 as per the 2025 census, reflecting the success of sustained conservation efforts.
The encouraging trend was noted on Monday as Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha chaired the 6th meeting of the Wildlife Board for the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir at Lok Bhavan.
The meeting was attended by Javed Ahmed Rana, Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs Departments; Dr. Devinder Kumar Manyal and Mian Mehar Ali, Members of Legislative Assembly; Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary; Dr Mandeep K. Bhandari, Principal Secretary to Lieutenant Governor; Sheetal Nanda, Commissioner Secretary to Government, Forest, Ecology & Environment; Suresh Kumar Gupta, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests & HoFF; Sarvesh Rai, PCCF / Chief Wildlife Warden, J&K; Sujit Kumar, IGP Security; eminent Conservationists, Ecologists, Environmentalists, representatives of Army and NGOs dealing with Wildlife, and other board members.
The Board, which met under the chairmanship of Lieutenant Governor, accorded wildlife clearance to several projects and recommended some proposals to National Board of Wildlife for final approval. These included projects of 4G-saturation, Jal Jeevan Mission, re-alignment of transmission lines, setting up of border security posts, development of horticulture nursery and installation of avalanche warning systems.
The Board was apprised about various conservation and habitat improvement activities of the department. This includes measures taken in handling of human-wild animal conflict, establishment of rescue centres and habitat restoration works of wetlands.
The Lieutenant Governor called for prioritizing sustainable management of biodiversity and conservation of wildlife habitats.
He emphasised on promotional activities, particularly among school children, for major projects like Jambu Zoo, Hokersar and Gharana Wetland. He also asked to provide public transport to these destinations to promote eco-tourism.
The efforts made by department in operationalization of Hangul Breeding Centre at Tral were also presented during the meeting. The Board noted with satisfaction the increasing trend of population of Hangul from 127 in 2008 to 323 in 2025 census, the official said.
The meeting also discussed the damage to agricultural crops by Wild Boar, Blue Bull and monkeys. The Board desired to explore the possibility of compensating farmers’ losses caused by wild animals.
Documentaries showing restoration works in Hokersar and Gharana Wetland Conservation Reserves and operationalization of Hangul Breeding Centre were screened. Various publications of the department included Wildlife Calendar 2026; a coffee table book on wildlife of J&K-a journey through protected wilderness; a book titled “The Bounty of Pir Panjal-a journey through its flora and fauna” and a report on first time discovery of Hedgehog in J&K were also released.
