There is a VIP lodge for visiting dignitaries at Draphama. This was built on the site of the Maharaja's shooting lodge, burned down in 1969. There are resthouses at Pahlipora in Lower Dachigam, and Gratnar, Sangagolu and Nagaberan in Upper Dachigam. A nature interpretation centre has recently been built near the main entrance. An ornithological survey was conducted by Kurt et al .
Accommodation is available for visiting scientists.
With the construction of the reservoir in the 1920s, people living within the catchment area were evicted. The last eviction is said to have occurred at Pahlipora in 1934. While a hunting reserve, the area was policed by a force of game guards and the laws were strictly enforced. Protection of wildlife deteriorated in the period of upheavals following the accession of Kashmir to India. A block of some 1,036ha was excised from the western edge of Lower Dachigam as compensation to villagers who had formally occupied the sanctuary.