The Next Big Problem - Ameya Yellore

Kashmir Stag for Kashmiris alone – Ameya Yellore







Kashmir Stag or Hangul is an endangered species of animal found only in forests of Kashmir. Like other animals in India, this fast dwindling species faces trouble from poachers as well as depleting habitat. Not only is it priced for fur and horns, it’s being hunted for food and sport. The ‘hunting trophy’-culture is not entirely residual to the days of the British Raj. However the main problem of the two is depleting habitat.






Kashmir as we all know is a region hit by everyday protests against the Central and State Governments and also a region long since divided by Religious strife and partisan mentality due to an evil neighbour fostering hate and separatism. There is much to be expected from the regions’ local people towards conservation efforts even as they have their own problems to deal with. The fact remains that for any conservation effort to show any improvement the cooperation of the local people is indispensible and of utmost importance.






The Kashmir stag should become the pride of every Kashmiri worth his name. For the Kashmiri Muslim as much for the Kashmiri Hindus - some of whom may still live in the trouble torn state which is their motherland.






Forests in the region have a lot of uniqueness to them, the unique climate and unique geography of the region has blessed the land with a rare beauty unparallelled in this world. As the Moghul rulers had proclaimed, “If there exists, heaven on earth, then it is here.” Sadly the region is now being reclaimed, mainly by Timber industry and also for so called development in a region once known for its beautiful natural bounty and for being the ‘Kohinoor’ of the Indian tourism industry.






Tourism has since long died in Kashmir’s struggle for long lasting peace. It has ceased being the livlihood of the people. Gone with the peace are the tourists who used to bring with them livlihood for the people and a strong reason for Nature conservation. Complicating the efforts made by nature conservation projects is the fact that most parts in the Kashmir region are out of bounds for conservationists today just as they are to other common people of India.






The role of the Government Forest department and NGOs is therefore cut-out in a very crystal clear manner. Educate, enrol and employ locals in the conservation efforts not for India or Pakistan but for Kashmir and the future generations of Kashmiris who will cherish the land and its natural resources, as all the sons and daughters of the soil have cherished it till now. The great affection that Kashmiris have for their land needs to be tapped into in an effort to conserve its beauty and culture along with natural Wealth like the Kashmir stag – Hangul, for posterity. Not for India, not for Pakistan but for Kashmir alone.






The role of the Government does not however stop with the role of the Forest department. Instilling a sense of pride among Kashmiris for being Kashmiri first, is of untold significance.






Save Kashmir Stag for Kashmiris first, then for the world.