Top 4 National Parks of Jammu and Kashmir-Protecting the Wild Soul of the Himalayas
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The “Did You Know” series by Jehlum – The Info Avenue is created to share verified, educational, and awareness-based content about history, culture, and society. Every fact presented here is carefully researched from credible and publicly available sources. However, minor variations in historical interpretation may exist.Our goal is to inform, educate, and spark curiosity — not to promote opinions or claims. Readers are encouraged to explore the cited references for deeper understanding.
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Discover the top 4 national parks of Jammu and Kashmir—where biodiversity, culture, and conservation unite to protect the wild soul of the Himalayas
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Home to rare species and pristine landscapes, the national parks of Jammu and Kashmir reflect nature’s finest harmony. Let’s explore these four wild treasures of the Himalayas.
Top 4 National Parks of Jammu and Kashmir: Key Facts
Top 4 National Parks of Jammu and Kashmir: Key Facts1. Dachigam National Park
- Location: Srinagar, Kashmir Valley
- Area: 141 km² (GIS: 164.55 km²)
- Altitude: 1400–4400 m
- Notification: SRO 134 dated 10.04.1990
- Major Fauna: Hangul (Kashmir Stag), Asiatic Black Bear, Himalayan Brown Bear, Common Leopard, Himalayan Serow, Long-tailed Marmot, Himalayan Weasel, Yellow-throated Marten, Kashmir Grey Langur, Indian Jackal
- Major Avi Fauna: Monal Pheasant, Koklas Pheasant, Himalayan Griffon Vulture, Black-eared Kite, Kashmir Woodpecker, Indian Myna, White-checked Bulbul, House Sparrow, Orange Bullfinch, Spectacled Finch
- Major Flora: Fir, Spruce, Himalayan Blue Pine, Himalayan Horse Chestnut, Himalayan Elm, Parrotia, Wax Tree, Dioscorea, Indian Barberry, Himalayan Rhubarb, Indian Atees
- Highlight: Home of the endangered Hangul; protects Dal Lake catchment; rich in medicinal and economic plants.
2. Kazinag National Park
- Location: Baramulla District, near Line of Control (70 km from Srinagar)
- Area: 89 km² (GIS: 90.86 km²)
- Altitude: 2100–4305 m
- Notification: SRO 425 dated 18.12.2007
- Major Fauna: Markhor (Capra falconeri), Kashmir Musk Deer, Himalayan Brown Bear, Himalayan Black Bear, Common Leopard, Yellow-throated Marten, Long-tailed Marmot, Small Kashmir Flying Squirrel
- Major Avi Fauna: Eurasian Cuckoo, Western Tragopan, Monal Pheasant, Koklas Pheasant, Golden Eagle, Sparrow Hawk, Snow Pigeon, Lesser Pied Kingfisher, Nutcracker
- Major Flora: Deodar, Fir, Spruce, Himalayan Blue Pine, Himalayan Horse Chestnut, Parrotia, Cranberry Bush, Wax Tree, Dioscorea, Indian Barberry, Himalayan Rhubarb
- Highlight: Dense forest park with near-threatened Markhor; 20 mammal species, 120 bird species, 17 butterfly species; medicinal plant diversity.
3. Kishtwar High Altitude National Park
- Location: Northern side of Kishtwar town, Jammu region
- Area: 2191.50 km²
- Altitude: 2148–6504 m
- Notification: SRO 212 dated 06.07.2015
- Major Fauna: Kashmir Musk Deer, Hangul (Kashmir Stag), Asiatic Ibex, Asiatic Black Bear, Himalayan Serow, Common Leopard, Himalayan Brown Bear, Long-tailed Marmot, Himalayan Weasel, Yellow-throated Marten, Kashmir Grey Langur, Indian Jackal, Wolf
- Major Avi Fauna: Himalayan Griffon Vulture, Snow Cock, Western Tragopan, Monal Pheasant, Golden Eagle, Golden Oriole, White-checked Bulbul
- Major Flora: Deodar, Spruce, Fir, Himalayan Blue Pine, Oriental Plane Tree, Walnut, Himalayan Birch, Himalayan Juniper
- Highlight: High-altitude rugged terrain with heavy snowfall; rich biodiversity and alpine ecosystems.
4. Salim Ali (City Forest) National Park
- Location: Srinagar District, Kashmir Valley
- Area: 8.69 km² (GIS: 8.56 km²)
- Altitude: 1542–1994 m
- Notification: SRO 472 dated 22.07.1986
- Major Fauna: Common Leopard, Kashmir Grey Langur, Indian Jackal, Himalayan Brown Bear, Long-tailed Marmot, Himalayan Weasel, Yellow-throated Marten
- Major Avi Fauna: Monal Pheasant, Koklas Pheasant, Himalayan Griffon Vulture, Black-eared Kite, Kashmir Woodpecker, Indian Myna, White-checked Bulbul, House Sparrow
- Major Flora: Fir, Spruce, Himalayan Blue Pine, Himalayan Horse Chestnut, Himalayan Elm, Parrotia, Wax Tree, Dioscorea, Indian Barberry, Himalayan Rhubarb, Indian Atees, Wild Apricot, Peach, Himalayan Sour Cherry
- Highlight: Named after ornithologist Salim Ali; excellent birdwatching site; rich in wildlife and medicinal plants.
Frequently asked questions
Top 4 National Parks of Jammu and Kashmir-Protecting the Wild Soul of the Himalayas
Top 4 National Parks of Jammu and Kashmir-Protecting the Wild Soul of the Himalayas
Top 4 National Parks of Jammu and Kashmir-Protecting the Wild Soul of the Himalayas
Top 4 National Parks of Jammu and Kashmir-Protecting the Wild Soul of the Himalayas
Top 4 National Parks of Jammu and Kashmir-Protecting the Wild Soul of the Himalayas
Top 4 National Parks of Jammu and Kashmir-Protecting the Wild Soul of the Himalayas
Top 4 National Parks of Jammu and Kashmir-Protecting the Wild Soul of the Himalayas
Top 4 National Parks of Jammu and Kashmir-Protecting the Wild Soul of the Himalayas
Top 4 National Parks of Jammu and Kashmir-Protecting the Wild Soul of the Himalayas
Top 4 National Parks of Jammu and Kashmir-Protecting the Wild Soul of the Himalayas
Top 4 National Parks of Jammu and Kashmir-Protecting the Wild Soul of the Himalayas
Top 4 National Parks of Jammu and Kashmir-Protecting the Wild Soul of the Himalayas
Top 4 National Parks of Jammu and Kashmir-Protecting the Wild Soul of the Himalayas
Top 4 National Parks of Jammu and Kashmir-Protecting the Wild Soul of the Himalayas
Top 4 National Parks of Jammu and Kashmir-Protecting the Wild Soul of the Himalayas
Top 4 National Parks of Jammu and Kashmir-Protecting the Wild Soul of the Himalayas
![Here is a fully rewritten article of over 600 words, optimized for SEO and ready for posting on your site. *(Focus keywords: Mohra Power Project Kashmir, Mohra Hydroelectric Project, Baramulla heritage power, J&K hydroelectric heritage, Kashmir electrification history)* --- **Did You Know The Amazing Story of Kashmir’s 117-Year-Old Mohra Project** Nestled in the Boniyar area, about 35 km downstream of Baramulla in north Kashmir, lies the historic Mohra Hydroelectric Power Project — a remarkable engineering feat dating back to 1905. Built under the reign of Maharaja Pratap Singh and designed by Canadian-born engineer Major Dlain de Latbinière, this run-of-the-river scheme has the distinction of making Srinagar the **second city in the Indian subcontinent to be electrified**, after Mysore. ([The Statesman][1]) At its inception, the Mohra Power Project had an installed capacity of approximately 4 MW, later enhanced to around 9 MW. ([The Statesman][1]) What makes it stand out is the incredible 11-kilometre wooden flume — an artificial channel largely crafted from deodar timber and masonry tunnels, iron bridges and wooden construction — built across challenging terrain to divert the waters of the Jhelum River for turbine operation. ([Brighter Kashmir][2]) **Engineering Marvel and Social Impact in Early 1900s Kashmir** When the Mohra Project became operational, it didn’t just bring electricity — it revolutionised daily life in the region. Homes, silk-reeling machines in local factories, water-heating basins and industrial workshops all benefited from its power. The workforce was equally remarkable, drawn from Ladakh, Baltistan, Afghanistan and Punjab. ([Brighter Kashmir][2]) The project helped shift Kashmir from a purely agrarian/traditional economy to one where early industrial-infrastructure innovation counted. **A Legacy in Decline** Despite its early brilliance, the Mohra Power Project suffered repeated setbacks. It was damaged during the 1947 tribal raids and severely by the floods of 1959. Eventually, from 1992 onward, it lay defunct. ([Greater Kashmir][3]) For decades, the flume has largely disappeared; remnants remain visible along the road between Baramulla and Uri. ([The Statesman][1]) Local observers say the neglect of this heritage hydro station is a lost opportunity—not just for power but for tourism, heritage, and local employment. **Heritage Revival and Modern Significance** In recent years, the government of Jammu & Kashmir, under the leadership of Manoj Sinha, has taken proactive steps to revive this century-old marvel. In September 2022 it was reported that ₹133.50 crore had been sanctioned for restoration and revival of the project by the board of the J&K State Power Development Corporation (JKSPDC). ([IBTimes India][4]) The plan envisions both heritage conservation and renewed power-generation capacity, turning the site into an architectural-industrial landmark of modern Kashmir. **Why This Must Matter to You** For job-seekers, students, and local readers in Kashmir, the Mohra Power Project story offers multiple layers of relevance: * **Heritage & tourism employment**: Revival efforts open up jobs in heritage conservation, tourism guiding, craftsmanship, and local infrastructure. * **Engineering & technical careers**: Hydroelectric projects still need skilled technicians, maintenance engineers, and civil/structural specialists. * **Regional identity and education**: Understanding local infrastructure history strengthens regional pride and can inspire community education and projects at schools and colleges. * **Keywords for you**: When you search for “Mohra Power Project Kashmir”, “heritage hydroelectric Kashmir”, or “Baramulla hydro power history” you’ll encounter this project again and again. **Challenges That Remain** Despite official announcements, recent reports indicate the revival is still awaiting full funding and policy support. A feasibility study by Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee recommended the project for central assistance under the Small Hydro Development Programme, but as of 2025 the required grants have not been sanctioned. ([Rising Kashmir][5]) This delay underscores the complexity of heritage-power revival: balancing outdated infrastructure, modern standards, environmental/forest clearances, funding and site preservation. **Final Word: A Hidden Gem of Kashmir’s Past and Future** The Mohra Hydroelectric Power Project stands as both a symbol of Kashmir’s early technological ambition and a tangible opportunity for its future. With its heritage value, unique engineering features, and potential as a revived power and tourism asset, this project deserves wider attention. Whether you are searching for keywords like **“Kashmir hydroelectric heritage”**, **“Mohra power revival 2025”** or **“Baramulla heritage energy project”**, the Mohra story should rank high in your mind. By exploring this story, engaging with its revival, or simply knowing it, you connect with a piece of Kashmir’s lesser-known history—and open up pathways to education, career awareness and community pride. --- I hope this aligns with your series and website format. If you like, I can provide a version formatted in WordPress HTML (including your disclaimer box) and a set of suggested meta-description + tags for optimal SEO. [1]: https://www.thestatesman.com/india/117-years-old-mohra-power-project-set-heritage-jk-1503108891.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com "117 years old Mohra power project set to be a heritage in J&K - The Statesman" [2]: https://brighterkashmir.com/117-year-old-mohra-power-project-in-baramulla-to-be-declared-heritage-site-soon?utm_source=chatgpt.com "117 year-old Mohra power project in Baramulla to be declared heritage site soon" [3]: https://m.greaterkashmir.com/article/33-years-on-govt-fails-to-restore-kashmirs-first-hydroelectric-mohra-power-project/372603/amp?utm_source=chatgpt.com "33 years on, govt fails to restore Kashmir’s first hydroelectric Mohra power project - greaterkashmir" [4]: https://www.ibtimes.co.in/jk-govt-revive-117-year-old-asias-second-oldest-heritage-power-project-rs-133cr-approved-851261?utm_source=chatgpt.com "J&K's first power project to be revived; govt sets Rs 133cr budget for Asia' second oldest heritage power project - IBTimes India" [5]: https://risingkashmir.com/restoration-of-123-year-old-mohra-power-project-stalled-over-viability-issues-govt/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Restoration of 123-year-old Mohra power project stalled over viability issues: Govt – Rising Kashmir"](https://jehlum.in/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/hydro-electric-project.jpg "Did You Know The Amazing Story of Kashmirs 117-Year-Old Mohra Project 5")