Every year on March 3rd, we celebrate World Wildlife Day, a global event dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation and the need to protect endangered species. It is a day to reflect on our relationship with nature and to recommit ourselves to preserving the planet’s biodiversity. However, as we mark this day, a pressing question arises: have we been practical in our efforts to protect and preserve wildlife? The answer, unfortunately, is often no.

In Kashmir, for instance, the responsibility of wildlife protection has largely been handed over to the Wildlife and Forest Protection Departments. While these departments play a crucial role, the broader community often remains disconnected from conservation efforts. Kashmiris are well aware of the realities of climate change and global warming, yet there is a tendency to ignore these issues, dismissing them as someone else’s problem. This mindset overlooks the fact that every individual has a role to play in conservation. As the saying goes, every drop in the ocean contributes to its vastness.

Recently, the drying up of historic springs in Anantnag and other small and large streams served as a wake-up call for many. People began to lament the loss, attributing it to their own negligence and sins. But have we ever paused to consider that we must respect and care for the Almighty’s creation? If Allah has created something, it is for us to cherish and protect, not to destroy for our fleeting comfort.

This World Wildlife Day, let us shift our focus from mere rhetoric to practical action. Let us celebrate the efforts of those who have taken tangible steps to protect wildlife and preserve the environment. Among these unsung heroes is the Indian Army, which has gone beyond its primary role of safeguarding national borders to actively contribute to wildlife conservation in Kashmir.

The Indian Army has long been a pillar of strength for the nation, not only in terms of defense but also in environmental conservation. Recognizing the fragile ecological balance of Kashmir, the Army has undertaken several initiatives to protect endangered species, promote afforestation, and raise awareness about the importance of biodiversity. These efforts are particularly significant in a region like Jammu and Kashmir, which is home to unique flora and fauna but is also vulnerable to environmental degradation due to conflict and climate change.

One of the most notable conservation efforts in Kashmir is the preservation of the Kashmiri Stag, locally known as the Hangul. This majestic deer, with its reddish coat and impressive antlers, is endemic to Kashmir and is primarily found in Dachigam National Park. However, over the years, the Hangul population has faced severe threats due to habitat loss, poaching, and environmental disturbances.

In a commendable move, the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry  has joined hands with the Jammu and Kashmir Forest Department to protect the Hangul. This collaboration involves devising effective strategies to safeguard the Hangul and its habitat. As a symbol of their commitment, the JKLI has adopted the Hangul as its official mascot. This adoption not only highlights the Army’s dedication to conservation but also strengthens the bond between the military and the region’s rich biodiversity.

The results of these efforts are already visible. The Hangul population, which had dwindled to just 172 in 2010, has shown a gradual increase, reaching 218 in 2024. With the Army’s continued support, the conservation of this critically endangered species is expected to gain further momentum, ensuring its survival for future generations. The Indian Army’s contribution to wildlife conservation extends beyond the Hangul. In a recent incident, the Army collaborated with the Wildlife Protection Department to rescue an Indian Pangolin near the Line of Control  in Rajouri district. The Indian Pangolin, a nocturnal mammal known for its unique armor of overlapping scales, is classified as critically endangered due to illegal hunting and habitat destruction.

The Army’s swift action not only saved the pangolin but also highlighted the urgent need to protect such vulnerable species. This rescue operation underscores the Army’s commitment to ecological conservation, even in conflict-prone regions. By working closely with wildlife authorities, the Army has set an example of how military forces can play a pivotal role in biodiversity preservation. In addition to wildlife protection, the Indian Army has undertaken extensive afforestation drives to restore and maintain green cover in border areas. These initiatives are crucial for mitigating the effects of deforestation, preserving soil quality, conserving water, and sustaining biodiversity.

One such initiative was a mega plantation drive conducted at Somwali, Chotali, and Gaggar Hills along the LoC in Boniyar village of Baramulla district. Organized in collaboration with the Forest Department, this drive aimed to instill a sense of environmental responsibility among local residents, particularly students and teachers. Awareness campaigns were also conducted to emphasize the importance of trees in maintaining ecological balance, producing oxygen, and combating climate change.

The response from local communities was overwhelmingly positive. Villagers expressed their willingness to continue such plantation efforts independently, ensuring the sustainability of the initiative. These campaigns not only promote greenery but also strengthen the bond between the Army and local communities, fostering cooperation for environmental conservation.

Similarly, under the ‘Go Green’ initiative, the Indian Army launched another plantation drive in July 2021 in the remote and border villages of Poonch. This drive aimed to restore degraded land, prevent soil erosion, and create a more sustainable environment for future generations. By involving local communities, the Army has successfully spread awareness about the need to preserve and protect forests in ecologically sensitive regions.

The Indian Army’s involvement in wildlife conservation and afforestation is not just a side activity; it reflects a deep commitment to preserving the ecological balance of Kashmir’s border areas. These initiatives carry immense significance for several reasons:

Protection of Endangered Species: By actively participating in the conservation of the Hangul and rescuing critically endangered species like the Indian Pangolin, the Army is playing a pivotal role in wildlife preservation.

Restoration of Forest Cover: Large-scale plantation drives help combat deforestation, enhance biodiversity, and reduce the adverse effects of climate change.

Community Participation and Awareness: By engaging local residents, especially students, the Army is fostering environmental consciousness and encouraging sustainable practices.

Strengthening Army-Public Relations: Conservation initiatives build trust and cooperation between the Army and local communities, reinforcing their shared responsibility toward environmental preservation.

Climate Change Mitigation: Increased forest cover aids in carbon sequestration, reducing the overall impact of climate change in ecologically fragile areas.

On World Wildlife Day, it is essential to recognize and celebrate the commendable efforts of the Indian Army in safeguarding Kashmir’s rich biodiversity. From the conservation of the Hangul and the rescue of endangered species to extensive afforestation drives, the Army has shown exemplary dedication to environmental preservation.

However, the responsibility of wildlife conservation cannot rest solely on the shoulders of the Army or government departments. It is a shared responsibility that requires collective action from every individual. As Kashmiris, we must move beyond the mindset of “is it me only?” and recognize that every small effort contributes to the larger goal of preserving our planet.

Let us take inspiration from the Indian Army’s initiatives and commit ourselves to practical action. Whether it is planting a tree, raising awareness about endangered species, or simply respecting nature, every effort counts. As we celebrate World Wildlife Day, let us remember that safeguarding our wildlife is not just a duty but a privilege. It is a way of honoring the Almighty’s creation and ensuring a sustainable and harmonious future for generations to come.

The Indian Army’s unwavering commitment to environmental conservation serves as a beacon of hope and a reminder that, together, we can make a difference. Let us join hands and work towards a future where wildlife thrives, forests flourish, and humanity lives in harmony with nature.