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1. Context
1.1 Are the values of the site well documented, assessed and monitored?
Assessment criteria
Condition Category* (Tick ü) Remarks
Values not systematically documented,
The values of Kistwar National Park are generally
Poor
assessed or monitored.
assessed in the Management Plan, which has
Values generally identified but not
recently been prepared. The monitoring is done in
Fair ü
systematically assessed and monitored.
a limited area of about 180 km 2 (out of 425 km 2 ),
Most values systematically identified and
which is under the control of wildlife department
Good
assessed and monitored.
though the intention notification was issued in
All values systematically identified and
1981.
Very good
assessed and monitored.
1.2 Are the threats to site values well documented and assessed?
Assessment criteria
Condition Category* (Tick ü) Remarks
Threats not systematically documented or
Very general threats like poaching, grazing,
Poor ü
assessed.
woodcutting, fire, snow and insects are
Threats generally identified but not
mentioned in the management plan but they have
Fair
systematically assessed.
not been assessed for different parts of the
Most threats systematically identified and
National Park.
Good
asses sed.
All threats systematically identified and
Very good
assessed.
1.3 Is the site free from human and biotic interference?
Assessment criteria
Condition Category* (Tick ü) Remarks
The site has extensive human and biotic
Only the glacial, snow bound and rugged upper
Poor ü
interference.
reaches of the Park are free from biotic
The site has some human and biotic
interferences due to being unapproachable. In all
Fair
interference.
other approachable areas the site has extensive
The site has little human and biotic
human and biotic interference. There are over 20
Good
interference.
villages inside the Park and equal number in the
The site has no human and biotic
immediate surrounds. 30 to 40 thousand sheep
interference.
and goats from neighboring and far off areas
remain on the high altitude pastures from May to
September. Dependence of villagers for timber,
fuel and fodder on the National Park is total.
Medicinal plants are also extracted. NHPC has
proposed two Hydroelectric Projects inside the
Park for which 9 km 2 land is being demanded.
State Govt. is keen to get these projects through
but they have not yet been cleared by Govt. of
India under Forest Conservation Act. 8 Km.
Very good
motor road is under construction inside the NP
and felling of oak and other trees is being done
freely. Construction of road and buildings at Dam
site in clear violation of FCA is a serious matter.
There are some 25 'Bahaks' (high altitude
pastures) inside the National Park over which
villagers from neighbouring areas have rights of
grazing and Bakarwals and Gujjars who are
seasonal nomads keep over 25000 cattle heads
(sheep, goats, horses, buffalos) from May to
September.
*Score: Poor: 2.5; Fair: 5; Good: 7.5; Very Good: 10
Kishtwar National Park (J&K)
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