Budd-Numbal wetland craves for attention

Srinagar, July 18: Kashmir’s well-known wetland Budd Numbal Wetland in Parihaspora area of Baramulla is craving for attention and has been affected due to illegal encroachments posing a threat to the flora and fauna.
Local residents said that the once pristine wetland and water body has become victim of illegal encroachments and people throw waste at the wetland land at several places.
Javid Ahmad, a wetland lover who recently visited the wetland said it was once a beautiful and pristine place for migratory birds and then the birds would go for the Wular Lake.
“I used to be there some ten years back and it is now polluted. It has been damaged due to the illegal activities and throwing of silt and waste into it and it has lost its glory,” he said.
“It was a clean water body. It used to be visited by a lot of people during the summer season. However, due to illegal encroachments, it was affected,” he said.
The bird lover said over the years, the government has not paid much attention towards the wetlands including the Budd Numbal Wetland which has caused its deterioration.
“Many times we highlighted the matter with the department but they are not serious about its conservation. Serious efforts are needed to restore its glory,” he said.
Shakir Ahmad, a local resident said the throwing of garbage at the wetland has affected the wetland and said it should be stopped and stern action should be taken against such people.
“People should be given awareness about waste disposal and waste management. The domestic waste generated in the habitations is thrown by the people in it,” he said.
He said the solid waste dumping by the inhabitants of nearby habitations is also an issue that locals said needs to be addressed. The domestic waste generated in the habitations is thrown by the individuals in and around the wetland at times.
They said that although the government has beautification plans for the wetland, they appealed to them to stop illegal encroachments and throwing of waste into it.
Wildlife Warden, Wetlands Division Kashmir, Ifshan Deewan said there are only eight wetlands that are under their jurisdiction under the Wild Life Protection Act.
“We are taking only anti-poaching activities in the wetland,” she said. There is a shortage of manpower in the department. As per officials there are limitations due to which they are unable to take care of all wetlands.