Kerala’s Eravikulam National Park and Jammu & Kashmir’s Dachigam National Park have emerged as the top-performing protected areas in India, each earning an impressive Management Effectiveness Evaluation (MEE) score of 92.97%. The MEE, conducted by the Wildlife Institute of India under the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, assessed 438 national parks and wildlife sanctuaries nationwide based on key conservation and management parameters.
Eravikulam and Dachigam: Guardians of India’s Biodiversity
Located in the southern Western Ghats, Eravikulam National Park is celebrated for its unique shola-grassland ecosystem and as the last refuge of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr. The park is also famous for the spectacular blooming of the Neelakurinji flowers, which occur once every 12 years, attracting nature enthusiasts and tourists.
Meanwhile, Dachigam National Park in Jammu & Kashmir is the last stronghold for the critically endangered Hangul (Kashmir stag), a species found nowhere else globally. Its diverse habitats—including alpine meadows, riverine forests, and high-altitude grasslands—also support the Himalayan black bear, leopard, musk deer, and other native wildlife.
Comprehensive National Evaluation Recognizes Excellence
The MEE evaluated protected areas on 32 parameters grouped into six key categories, such as habitat conservation, anti-poaching efforts, eco-development, and scientific monitoring. Kerala’s consistent biodiversity management across 21 protected areas helped it outperform states like Karnataka, Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh.
A spokesperson from the Jammu & Kashmir Wildlife Department praised Dachigam’s ranking as “a testament to the park’s outstanding conservation standards, adaptive management, and robust ecological protection protocols.”
Why Eravikulam Stands Out
Spanning 97 sq. km, Eravikulam is a model of sustainable tourism and conservation with features like:
- Community-driven eco-tourism promoting local engagement
- India’s first Virtual Reality Nature Education Centre, enabling immersive biodiversity experiences without disturbing fragile habitats
- Clearly demarcated zones for tourism, research, and education to minimize ecological impact
- Specialized facilities including a fernery, orchidarium, and interpretive signage enhancing conservation awareness
- Part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Western Ghats, recognized for Outstanding Universal Value
Dachigam is vital to the survival of the Hangul, whose population has shown positive growth thanks to improved habitat management and vigilant anti-poaching measures. This success is the result of sustained scientific intervention and community collaboration.
The Jammu & Kashmir Wildlife Protection Department received accolades for its dedicated staff and leadership, credited for implementing these effective conservation strategies.
Political Endorsement and Future Directions
J&K’s Minister for Forest, Ecology and Environment, Javed Ahmed Rana, commended the department’s achievement, calling it a benchmark for other protected areas. He stressed the importance of ongoing investments in people-centric conservation, scientific research, and sustainable landscape management to protect Jammu & Kashmir’s ecological heritage.
Why Dachigam Stands Out
- Location: Nestled in Kashmir Valley, 22 km from Srinagar, Dachigam covers 141 sq. km of pristine Himalayan terrain
- Unique Habitat Diversity: A rich mosaic of alpine meadows, riverine forests, and high-altitude grasslands supports diverse wildlife
- Critical Hangul Habitat: The only confirmed habitat of the critically endangered Hangul, making it central to Project Hangul conservation efforts
- Biodiversity Hotspot: Home to Himalayan black bears, leopards, musk deer, Himalayan Monal (J&K’s state bird), and numerous endemic flora and fauna
- Important Bird Area (IBA): Recognized for its rich avian diversity, attracting birdwatchers and researchers
The exceptional scores of Eravikulam and Dachigam National Parks underscore India’s rising leadership in biodiversity conservation and protected area management. These parks exemplify how science-driven, community-supported, and adaptive conservation practices can safeguard endangered species and fragile ecosystems for future generations.
(With inputs from PTI)
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