Battery-operated vans promote green cover in Kashmir's Dachigam Park

Jammu and Kashmir, May 28 : The Jammu and Kashmir Government has introduced battery-operated vehicles for tourists to enjoy a pleasant and eco-friendly visit to the state's famous Dachigam National Park.

The wildlife department in collaboration with the tourism department has initiated the eco-friendly car service inside the national park to keep the greenery intact.

These eco-friendly carts will take tourists on a full ride of the Dachigam Park, one of the country's most beautiful wildlife reserves spread over 140 square kilometers and located 22 kilometers from Srinagar.

"The tourism department under eco-tourism has taken the initiative to help tourists visiting the region. It also aims to keep the environment clean. The work should be carried ahead in a stronger way so that the pollution can be avoided in the region," said state's Minister for Forests, Environment and Wildlife Qazi Mohammad Afzal, who launched these cars on Tuesday.

The Minister also took stock of various facilities created for eco-tourism viz., nature trails, trekking, bird watching, nature drive, safari drive and interpretation centre.

Eco-tourism represents a shift in focus from economic aspects of tourism towards maintenance of the green cover and promoting livelihood for the locals.

"We have taken care that environment remains clean. There is no adverse effect on wildlife and ecology. So, we have introduced battery-operated carts with the combined effort of the tourism, forest and wildlife department. This is a beginning of a big initiative," said Nayeem Akhtar, Secretary (Tourism).

Dachigam is a wildlife sanctuary, home to the endangered hangul species of deer.

Dachigam is also host to other wildlife such as black and brown bear, musk deer, leopards and migratory birds. There is a trout fish farm also in Dachigam.

ANI