Dachigam National Park

Dachigam National Park is a national park located, 22 kilometres (14 mi) from Srinagar city in Srinagar district of Jammu and Kashmir, India on the east side of Dal Lake. It covers an area of about 141 sq.kms(updated recently). The name of the park literally stands for "ten villages" which is in the memory of the ten villages that were relocated for its formation. These ten villages were living in this region before the World War I in the beginning of 20th century. The main gate entrance is very close to the New Theed general bus stand on the either side of Darul Uloom Kousaria.[1]

Dachigam National Park, Srinagar
Sarband water body with Dachigam National Park in Srinagar district, J&K, India.
Map showing the location of Dachigam National Park, Srinagar
Map showing the location of Dachigam National Park, Srinagar
Map showing the location of Dachigam National Park, Srinagar
Map showing the location of Dachigam National Park, Srinagar
LocationDachigam, Srinagar district, Jammu and Kashmir,  India
Nearest citySrinagar city
Coordinates34°8′14″N 75°2′16″E
Area141 km2 (54 sq mi)
Max. elevation4267 m (14,000 ft)
Min. elevation1676 m (5,499 ft)
Established1981
Governing bodyGovernment of Jammu and Kashmir, India

The park has been a protected area since 1910, first under the care of the Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir and later under the observation of the concerned government authorities. It was initially created to ensure a supply of clean drinking water for Srinagar. It was upgraded and declared a National Park in 1981.[1]

Topography

Dachigam National park is located in the Zabarwan Range of the western Himalayas. The variation in altitude is vast, ranging from 5500 ft to 14000 ft above mean sea level. Due to this vast variation, the park is demarcated into an uneven region. The terrain ranges from gently sloping grasslands to sharp rocky outcrops and cliffs.[1] 321

Flora

The mountain sides below the tree line are wooded. Most of this coniferous forest consists of broad leaf species. Interspersed between these are alpine pastures, meadows, waterfalls and scrub vegetation with deep gullies, locally known as Nars, running down the mountain face. Most of the grasslands and meadows, except in the harsh winters, are covered with coloured flowers. Located high among its interiors is the Marsar lake from which flows the Dagwan river. This river flows all the way down to, and past, the lower region where it runs along the only proper road in the park and is also known for its fish population, the trout.[1]

Fauna

The main animal species that Dachigam is known for is the hangul, or the Kashmir stag. Other species include:

Birds

See also

References
  1. "Management Plan (2011-2016) - Dachigam National Park" (PDF). jkwildlife.com. Retrieved 4 December 2013.
  2. Rashid, Afsana (24 January 2009). "Hog deer at Achabal sanctuary". The Tribune. Retrieved 15 July 2013.
  3. "Some aspects of bird-life in Kashmir". The Himalayan Journal. 1.
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