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Srinagar starts safaris as violence ebbs

* Safaris part of push by IHK government to revive tourism

SRINAGAR: Tourists are now going bear-spotting on wildlife safaris in a scenic wilderness where Kashmiris and Indian troops used to exchange deadly gunfire.

The start of safaris in Dachigam National Park follows a considerable drop in insurgency-related violence in the spectacularly beautiful grasslands and rocky outcrops of Indian-held Kashmir (IHK), wildlife officials say. The safari trips through dense forest – the scene of intense gunfight between pro-freedom militants and Indian soldiers in the past – in eco-friendly battery-driven cars give visitors a chance to observe nature close-up. “We spotted a bear basking in the sun. I’ll always remember that,” said Mukesh Kumar, a tourist from Mumbai. “It’s a lifetime experience,” added Imtiaz Hussain, a local Kashmiri, who was here with his wife and sister, and also spotted a huge black bear. The wildlife department charges Rs 500 a car to carry a maximum of four people through the Dachigam wildlife sanctuary, a half-hour car drive from the summer capital Srinagar.

Lost glory: The safaris, launched in June, are part of a push by the IHK government to revive tourism in the region, dubbed the “Switzerland of the East” for its snow-capped peaks, fast-running rivers and verdant valleys. “The sanctuary is absolutely safe. We are there to take care of the visitors,” said paramilitary officer Daya Nath, whose troops have built bunkers at key lookout points to keep visitors safe from militants. There has not been any violence in the wildlife zone for the past three years, military officials say. The sanctuary, which sprawls over an area of 140 square kilometres, is home to endangered red deer, black and brown bears, musk deer, leopards and large bird species such as black partridge and pheasants. It is located in the mighty western Himalayas with terrain ranging from gently sloping grasslands and pine-clad hills to sheer cliffs. “We are taking tourists right into the lap of the nature,” said Dachigam wildlife warden Rashid Naqash, who helps run the safaris. The drive through the park takes over an hour. Tourists observe the animals from their cars. “The visitors are enjoying the rides. They’ve been spotting bears and deer roaming in the wild,” Naqash said.

Before boarding the cars, the wildlife officials brief the visitors about important ‘dos’ and ‘don’ts’. “Don’t try to go too close to the animals and never come out of the car without your guide. Your guide knows fully how to take care of you,” Nazir Malik, a guide from the wildlife department, tells visitors. afp

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