VISIT TO "DACHIGAM NATIONAL PARK"

                               

                               

 Yesterday- 25th june 2022, our batch (UG 2021) happened to visit the Dachigam National Park , as a part of  field work of WLS 1201 course. Our course instructor- Dr. Khursheed accompanied us. 

The sunny weather was resonating well with our excitement and energy. Having picked up all the students, we reached the destination at around 11.30 am. The day's activity began with exploring the captivated animals- Leopard, Black Bear( Rosy and Julie) and Brown Bear- a newly rehabilitated one showing up in it's meek behaviour! Thereafter we paced up with our guides, towards the Wildlife Reuse and Rehabilitation Centre. Along the way, the flora welcomed and impressed us equally - wild cherries, plums, berries all were the emoticons of our craving to know more. Moreover, Morus, Juglans, Asculus, Quercus, few Platanus, numerous Climbers and so on , knitted a beautiful and unquestionable ecosystem of biodiversity. Porcupine quills on roads, Langurs and Macaques across the canopy, the musical chirping of Warblers, the soothing micro climate, the fruity visuals and what not. It seemed as if nature was on an exhibition and we were the blessed spectators . Walking for 1-2 kms, we halted and were offered Kehwa and were demonstrated with documentaries and pictorial details , the life at DNP. Here , after a short interaction session with Dr. Khursheed, we further left for the English Oak Patch- the nest of Hangul. I am sure , nothing could explain more about the managemental role of humans in wildlife. The camera trapping, the Salt Licks, the foreign Oaks, the tiny Acorns- which later become the feast of bears, all were wonderful. A  brief lecture about the habitat and behaviour of the reputed Kashmiri Red Deer was delivered by sir. Following this, we started a brisk trek  upto an altitude 1900m elevation, real close to the tree line. And lo! another treat for the eyes and the soul. After walking up the slope , through very dense undegrowth with a breathing rate that is not usual for you and sweat rolling and trickling down your face amidst an acute demand of water  but with empty bottles, when you turn around to see the valleys below , all green, you tend to forget your soar legs and dried up throats. It couldn't get any better. Hushed discussions started here as well and finally after observing the binocular view of the surroundings, our trip of the day came to an end. "Exhaustedly relaxed" , we started descending the trail. But with an air of excitement still in our nerves, we didn't let go of the sight of the Rainbow Trout Farm- yet another example of benefit of management and lookafter , on part of humans.

In concert, the trip was jaw dropping. The presence of Dr. Khursheed and other wildlife scholars beautified it even further. It was a blessed mix of respect, love and friendship amongst us as well as with the life at the Dachigam National Park.