Srinagar, Dec 29: The population of Hangul, the endangered Kashmir stag, has risen from 127 in 2008 to 323 in 2025, reflecting sustained conservation efforts in Jammu and Kashmir.
The increase was highlighted on Monday during the 6th meeting of the Jammu and Kashmir Wildlife Board, chaired by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha at Lok Bhavan.
According to an official statement, the meeting was attended by Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology and Environment, and Tribal Affairs Javed Ahmed Rana, MLAs Dr Devinder Kumar Manyal and Mian Mehar Ali, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, senior civil and police officers, wildlife officials, conservationists, representatives of the Army, NGOs, and other board members.
The Board granted wildlife clearance to several development projects and recommended certain proposals to the National Board for Wildlife for final approval. These included projects related to 4G saturation, the Jal Jeevan Mission, realignment of transmission lines, border security posts, horticulture nurseries, and avalanche warning systems.
Officials briefed the Board on ongoing conservation and habitat improvement initiatives. These included steps to manage human wildlife conflict, establishment of animal rescue centres, and restoration of wetlands.
The Lieutenant Governor stressed the need to prioritize sustainable biodiversity management and long term protection of wildlife habitats. He called for increased awareness activities, especially among school children, for projects such as Jambu Zoo, Hokersar Wetland, and Gharana Wetland. He also directed authorities to provide public transport to these sites to promote eco tourism.
The Board reviewed progress on the Hangul Breeding Centre at Tral and expressed satisfaction over the steady rise in the Hangul population.
Members also discussed crop damage caused by wild boar, blue bull, and monkeys, and explored the possibility of compensating farmers for losses.
During the meeting, documentaries on restoration works at Hokersar and Gharana wetlands and the operationalization of the Hangul Breeding Centre were screened. The department also released several publications, including the Wildlife Calendar 2026, a coffee table book on wildlife of Jammu and Kashmir, a book on the flora and fauna of Pir Panjal, and a report on the first recorded discovery of a hedgehog in the region.
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