Dachigam Park in Kashmir opens for tourists for first time

Srinagar, May 28 (UNI) The ''Dachigam National Park'', housing Kashmiri Hangul and other rare animals, has been thrown open for tourists for the first time.

Till now the park remained favourite destination exclusively for ministers, top bureaucrats, police officers and state guests from Delhi and other places.

Now, a tourist--local and non-state subject--can visit the park after paying Rs 125 as entry fee, Director Tourism Farooq Ahmad Shah told UNI.

He yesterday said the entry tickets would be available at Tourist Reception Centre (TRC) on wildlife department counter.

Mr Shah said three battery operated carts have been donated by Tourism Department for Dachigam National Park.

He said introduction of these carts in the park aims at offering undisturbed conditions to the wild animals and to cut on vehicular movement in the park.

The drive in the battery operated cart given the name as ''DACHIGAM NATURE DRIVE'' will cover visit to the view points to Laribal Trout hatchery, Wildlife film show at Nature Interpretation Centre (NIC), bird watching trekking, nature drive and safari drive for wildlife watching, he added.

UNI BAS SG KN1642